In 2005 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the End of the Second World War, the Royal Mint released a very Limited Issue St Paul's £2 Two Pound Gold Proof Coin struck in solid 22 Carat Gold.
Just over three months after Germany's surrender ended hostilities in Europe, Japan conceded defeat bringing to an end the Asia Pacific War. After nearly six years of conflict the Prime Minister, in a midnight broadcast to the country, confirmed that the world was finally at peace. Within minutes of this momentous announcement, Britain erupted into a state of euphoria. People rushed onto the streets shouting, laughing and singing. All across the country, impromptu parties took place with bonfires and fireworks turning the sky into a ruddy glow.
Central London was invaded by thousands of revelers screaming, dancing and throwing their hats into the air. Servicemen and women linked hands with civilians and marched through the streets, singing, blowing bugles, playing mouth organs and banging dustbin lids together. Around the statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus, where many crowds had gathered, rockets and fireworks flashed and exploded overheads of the people. The countrywide party continued well into the early hours of the morning. To celebrate the return of peace to the world, the 15th and 16th August 1945 were declared national holidays.
The reverse designed by Robert Elderton shows a representation of the famous image of St Paul's Cathedral bathed in floodlight. The obverse features Ian Rank Broadley's mature, reflective portrait of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.
Limited Mintage of 1,578 Coins Worldwide
Struck to Royal Mint's Proof Quality in Solid 22 Carat Gold
Commemoratingthe 60th Anniversary of the End of the Second World War
