Alderney Issues One of the World’s Largest and Rarest Coins Commemorating the 500th Anniversary

March 6, 2010 - PRLog -- Torrance, -- Alderney is a tiny island-dependency of the British Crown, that’s just 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, with a population of only around 2,400. It is actually closer to France (10 miles) than to Great Britain (60 miles), but has been part of the United Kingdom for nearly 1,000 years.

The first coins of Alderney were issued in 1989, to commemorate the royal visit of Queen Elizabeth II. Dozens of different commemorative coins have been issued since, the most recent of which commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Accession of King Henry VIII.

When King Henry VIII came to the throne in 1509, his first thought was for the "Broade Ditch" which he called the English Channel. He wanted to transport his troops across the Channel and protect his trade routes and he had great concerns about an invasion from France, so he began to expand his Navy to include ships that were strictly for fighting. Throughout his reign Henry never forgot that England's survival depended on it being a mighty sea-power. He therefore made ship building a priority. The Navy was expanded from 8 ships to include 46 warships as well as 13 small galleys. As part of his defensive plans, Henry VIII was determined to turn Alderney into a naval base, and began the construction of fortifications in 1546.

The Royal Mint has produced one of the world’s largest coins for Alderney, weighing a full kilogram (2.2 pounds) of pure silver, commemorating the 500th anniversary of the accession of Henry VIII, who reigned from 1509 until his death in 1547. This is also one of the world’s rarest coins, since only 200 gem proof pieces were made.

Each kilo coin comes in a luxurious presentation case, featuring an individually numbered plaque and booklet incorporating a Certificate of Authenticity. These are available on a first-come-first-served basis for $1,695 from official distributor Panda America, located in Torrance, California. To order or for further information call 800-472-6327 or visit www.PandaAmerica.com.

For picture see: http://www.pandaamerica.com/upd_images/alderney2009henry8...

Contact :
Mel Wacks
Director of Marketing
Panda America
3460 Torrance Blvd., Suite 100
Torrance, CA 90503
800-472-6327
mel@PandaAmerica.com
http://www.PandaAmerica.com