The centennial commemorations for the First World War continue apace and most of the worlds major mints are releasing coins to mark the occassion. Last year saw the Royal Mint re-issue a 2012 coin for Alderney by the artist Emma Noble. The coin recently won a 2014 Krause Coin of the Year award for ‘Most Inspirational Coin’ of 2012, and in our view it was a worthy winner. After two straight years the Royal Mint has gone for a change in the reverse image.

Bearing a new design by artist Laura Clancy, the new Remembrance £5 coin carries on using the trichromatic printing process that layers colour onto the surface. As a result the image is detailed and rich in colour, important with something as bright and iconic as the Remembrance Poppy, a tribute symbol for those who’ve lost their lives in conflict since the end of the First World War.

Described by the mint as being “Reminiscent of the poppy petals that fall upon those gathered in the Royal Albert Hall for the annual Festival of Remembrance, the design features falling poppies and is finished with the simple inscription, ‘Remember the Fallen’ – a poignant call to ensure that the sacrifice of those lost in the service of their country is never forgotten”.

Importantly, the Royal Mint is making a donation for each coin sold to the Imperial War Museum, “supporting their work in encouraging the study and understanding of the history of modern war.” It’s a good use of the money because educating people about the realities of war is our surest way of reducing the clamour for it in todays world of big movies and crass soundbites.