The Royal Mint has released two commemorative coins marking the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage of RMS Titanic, the White Star Line passenger liner that struck an iceberg in the north Atlantic Ocean resulting in the death of 1,517 of 2,223 passengers.
The fateful voyage of Titanic, the largest passenger steamship in the world at the time, began on April 10, 1912 when she set sail from Southampton to New York. Late on the morning of April 14, 1912, Titanic struck an iceberg leading to her sinking less than three hours later.
The two centennial commemoratives authorized by the Government of Alderney include a limited minted Titanic 100th Anniversary 2012 £5 Alderney Silver Proof Coin for £82.50 and a Titanic 100th Anniversary 2012 £5 Alderney Uncirculated Coin at a price of £12.99.
Designed by Royal Mint engraver Lee Robert Jones, each coin features a profile of Titanic with the goddess Thane looking down on the ship as it sails. The goddess is based on the marble statue of Thane, carved by Sir Thomas Brock. The statue was erected in 1920 as a memorial to the Titanic and stands within the grounds of Belfast City Hall in Northern Ireland. Belfast is the home of the Harland and Wolff shipyard where Titanic was constructed.
"My design is concerned with the spectacle of the ship and her story," Jones said in a news statement. "Thane, the goddess of death, is to reflect the significance of the event; she symbolizes respect and sorrow for the loss that ultimately occurred. Her stark silhouette contrasts with the detailed image of Titanic, cutting through the waves with purpose and pride."
Reverse inscriptions on the commemorative coins include THANE TITANTIC MEMORIAL, 1912, RMS TITANIC and the year 2012. Obverses for both depict The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, reflecting that they are legal tender in both the Channel Island of Alderney and the UK.
| Specifications for Titanic Centennial Commemorative Coins | ||
|---|---|---|
| Proof | Brilliant Uncirculated | |
| Denomination | £5 | |
| Mintage Limit | 7,500 | Demand Based |
| Alloy | .925 Sterling Silver | Cupro-nickel |
| Weight | 28.28 g | |
| Diameter | 38.61 mm | |
| Reverse Designer | Lee Robert Jones | |
| Obverse Designer | Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS | |
Packing is slightly different for each commemorative. The brilliant uncirculated coin is mounted in a presentation folder with pictures, facts and stories about the ship and her passengers. The proof coin is held within a black presentation case with a Certificate of Authenticity.
For more information on the commemorative coins or to place an order, visit the Royal Mint website at www.royalmint.com.
