The bond between the UK and the USA forged by WWII is celebrated on Pobjoy’s Uncle Sam & Britannia coin

Two national icons – Uncle Sam and Britannia – are pictured together on the Pobjoy Mints coin that celebrates the coming together of these two great powers to fight the rising tide of National Socialism. Officially marking the commencement of the Second World War, there’s a subtle nod here to America’s role in securing the Western Atlantic long before officially joining the war when, in December 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese, swiftly followed by Germany declaring war on them. It was well known in Axis quarters which side the US sympathised with.

Uncle Sam has long personified America, especially in the context of conflict, where the figure rises above Liberty in importance, perhaps, along with the iconic Bald Eagle. There’s less confusion over exactly who represents Britain. Britannia and the Lion have been associated with the fortress island for so long that the origins are not fully understood.

Standing side by side, armed, and with their national animals at their feet, there’s no missing the message here – Strength. Sadly, we don’t have actual coin images yet, so these less than stellar images will have to suffice, but Pobjoy coins are much nicer in hand that depicted here. The obverse is a typical Commonwealth one, but using Pobjoy’s own effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

This is a proof silver coin, a standard ounce in weight and formed of sterling 0.925 silver. The mintage is capped at 2,000 pieces, and the price is set at just shy of £50 including vat. Those on a tighter budget will be pleased to know a cupro-nickel variant is also on offer for under a third of that price, although that one comes in a pouch rather than a box with a certificate. Available to order from today.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

To commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Start of the Second World War, Pobjoy Mint is pleased to announce the release of Uncle Sam and Britannia in Proof Sterling Silver. Issued on behalf of the British Virgin Islands, this coin symbolises the unity between the United States and Great Britain, with both countries standing strong together with the iconic American Eagle and British Lion. 

Based on a vintage patriotic poster, the reverse of the coin shows Uncle Sam with an eagle representing the United States and Britannia, holding a shield and trident with a lion representing Great Britain. Uncle Sam is a common national personification of the American government of the United States that, according to legend, came into use during the War of 1812.

The wording “World War II” appears in the surround with the value at the base. The obverse of the coin features the exclusive Pobjoy Mint effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

The Second World War was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945, although related conflicts began earlier. It was the most global war in history and directly involved more than 100 million people from over 30 countries.  

At the outbreak of the World War II, the United States assumed Britain’s defence responsibilities in the Caribbean. In September 1940, the two countries agreed to the Lend-Lease Agreement which was also known the Bases-for-Destroyers Agreement. Under its terms the United States established eleven military bases in the area. After President Franklin D Roosevelt designated the Caribbean as a coastal frontier it became the forward edge of American defence strategy during the war.

SPECIFICATION
DENOMINATION $10 British Virgin Islands
COMPOSITION 0.925 silver
WEIGHT 28.28 grams
DIMENSIONS 38.6 mm
FINISH Proof
MODIFICATIONS None
MINTAGE 2,000
BOX / C.O.A. Yes / Yes