2005 Horatio Nelson Battle Of Trafalgar Five Pound Crown Silver Proof Coin Set

Horatio Nelson was born in 1758 and began his naval career at the age of just thirteen, on board his uncle’s ship. He had a swift and successful climb up the ranks, reaching Post Captain at just twenty-one, and eventually Vice-Admiral at age fifty-seven. Nelson’s most famous battle as Admiral was the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 which saw the British Royal Navy gain victory over the combined French and Spanish fleet, regaining naval supremacy. While Britain was ultimately victorious at the Battle, celebrations afterwards were marred by the death of the popular Admiral. In honour of the 200th anniversary of victory at Trafalgar, and the death of a national hero, The Royal Mint released a set of two commemorative Five Pound coins, including this set of silver proofs. The first was designed by James Butler and features a portrait of Nelson in Vice Admiral uniform, including the iconic hat. The words ‘HORATIO NELSON’ are inscribed above while the dates 1805 and 2005 are written on either side. The second coin features a depiction of HMS Victory at sea with her sails billowing. The sea at the base of the design overlaps the rim of the coin to create a sense of motion and speed. This second design was by Clive Duncan and has the name ‘TRAFALGAR’ inscribed below, and the dates either side. Around the edge of both £5 Crowns is inscribed ‘ENGLAND EXPECTS THAT EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY.’ Both coins display Ian Rank-Broadley’s fourth effigy of The Queen on the obverse and weigh the standard 28.28 grams each. They both have a diameter of 38.61 milimetres and are struck in proof standard .925 sterling silver giving a high quality finish. They arrive in their original packaging from The Royal Mint, complete with information booklet with more information about the Battle and Nelson’s life. A maximum of 30,000 of these silver proof sets were issued by The Royal Mint.