United Nations 1995 Two Pounds Coin

Dove of Peace on Reverse of 1995 Silver Proof Two Pound Coin

Obverse of 1995 Silver Proof Two Pound Coin

The War Is Over
"The greatest outburst of joy in the history of mankind". With these words Winston Churchill captured the world's reaction to the happy news that, after almost six years, the War in Europe was finally over and that all hostilities were to cease after midnight on 8th May 1945, VE Day. Jubilant crowds sang and danced in the streets of London, New York, Paris, Moscow and in cities and towns throughout the world. In the Far East, however, the War continued. there the end came just three months later on 15th August, VJ Day, with the unconditional surrender of Japan, and Allied nations the world over were able to unite in joyful celebration.
The War brought devastation ti British cities, but while London burned St. Paul's miraculously escaped destruction, its Dome according to The Times seeming to "ride the sea of fire like a great ship". Serene and comparatively unscathed amid a city in flames, the great Cathedral survived to become a symbol of hope to a beleaguered nation.

Rebuilding And Restoration
With peace came the urgent need to rebuild and reconstruct city centres, an enormous task since in London alone 700,000 homes had suffered damage from bombs. But Britain, her resources all but exhausted, was described by the economist JM Keynes as facing a "financial Dunkirk". Crippling shortages meant that ration books were still to be found in every home and the depressing wartime "utility" clothing, specially designed to make the most of scarce resources, was to remain in vogue.
Even the coinage did not emerge unscathed. Silver, for so many centuries an essential element of the currency, seemed an extravagant luxury in the years of austerity that would follow the War; indeed, to repay the 88 million ounces borrowed under the wartime Lend-Lease arrangement with the United States, there was no choice but to draw on the vast reservoir of silver contained in the coins in circulation. The old coins were accordingly replaced by cupro-nickel, to be greeted by critics as "drab, dreary, utility coinage" appropriate for the difficult years of economic recovery.

Obverse
The Third Portrait
The obverse (head side) is the third major portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ralph David Maklouf, FRSA.
It came into use in 1985 and continued until 1997 inclusive, a total of thirteen years.

Reverse Design
On the reverse of the Second World War £2 coin John Mills has beautifully depicted mankind's desire for a peaceful world, featuring in his own words "a symbol of aspiring peace, the calm, bountiful and optimistic image of a Dove". Peace is emphasised, too in the edge inscription
1945 IN PEACE GOODWILL 1995
part of the well-known "moral" that prefaces Churchill's history of the Second World War:

In war:       resolution
In defeat:    defiance
In Victory:   magnanimity
In Peace:     goodwill

The Royal British Legion
With every £2 coin pack sold a donation was made to the Royal British Legion.

Edge
The edge is milled and inscribed:-
1945 IN PEACE GOODWILL 1995

Technical Specifications

Alloy	Nickel-Brass
Copper	70%
Zinc	24.5%
Nickel	5.5%
Diameter	28.40 mms
Weight	15.98 grams

Version	Grade	Qty Issued	Availability	Price £	Price $
Ordinary Circulation	Uncirculated	4,388,006	Yes	£4	$6.50
Specimen in Folder, Special Offer	Brilliant Uncirculated		Yes	£5	$8
Silver Proof	FDC	50,000	Yes	£30	$50
Silver Piedfort Proof	FDC	10,000	Yes	£50	$80
Gold Proof	FDC	2,500	Yes	£295	$590

* = Total of both issues, UN and WWII

Postage & Packing:
UK: At buyer's Risk £2.50 or
Fully Insured £6 (Usually by Royal Mail Special Delivery)
USA: Airmail at buyer's risk $10 or
Fully Insured $20
For further details, please see our Postage & Packing page.

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1995 United Nations Commemorative £2 Coin

1995 Coin Sets

1995 Coins Index

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