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Design details: An inspirational leader..
Most famous for leading Britain to victory in
the Second World War, Sir Winston Churchill was a statesman, writer,
orator and leader who became one of the most influential prime ministers
in British history.
Born in Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on 30 November 1874, Churchill
developed a fascination with the military from an early age and joined the
cavalry in 1895, serving in the 4th (Queen’s Own) Hussars. His service in
the military took him all over the world to countries such as Cuba,
Afghanistan, Egypt and South Africa, where he simultaneously served as a
part-time journalist. Churchill’s political career began in 1900 when he
was elected Conservative MP for Oldham. He defected to the Liberal Party
in 1904, holding a number of Cabinet positions, before returning to the
Conservative Party in 1924, serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
In the wake of Neville Chamberlain’s resignation in 1940, Churchill
succeeded him as the prime minister of an all-party coalition government.
His leadership during the Second World War was vital for Britain and it
was during this time he gave some of his most famous speeches, which
helped galvanise the nation during a time of great hardship. Created by
Natasha Seaward, a graphic designer at The Royal Mint, the Sir Winston
Churchill coin features a portrait of Churchill as a young man in 1895,
garbed in the uniform of the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars.
In tribute to this anniversary, the coin’s legend reads ‘150TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE BIRTH OF WINSTON CHURCHILL’, whilst the date of his birth and
passing are displayed in equal prominence either side of the portrait. The
edge inscription, ‘PAVE THE WAY FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM’, is taken from a
remark Churchill made in late 1953, whilst serving his second term as
prime minister |
