‘This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 150th anniversary and evolution of this much-loved organisation – still bringing hope to people today,’ said Shane Bissett, Royal Mint director of commemorative coin and medals.

The coin was designed to include the familiar Salvation Army shield and a laurel wreath, both reminiscent of feelings of ‘the cheering warmth and familiarity of The Salvation Army brass band playing carols, a distinctive feature of any British high street in the run-up to Christmas,’ according to the Royal Mint.

The reverse, as with all British coinage, features a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the year. The Salvation Army coin is one of the last to feature the fourth portrait of the Queen; the fifth portrait since her ascension to the throne in 1952 came into use on new coins in circulation as of March 2015.

The coin is being released in two forms, a cupro-nickel version that is a similar metal content to all silver-colored UK coins (selling for £13) and a limited-edition sterling silver version (£80), of which only 1,500 are being minted.

The first limited edition sterling silver coin was minted by Lieut-Colonel Eddie Hobgood, International Congress Coordinator, and the second by Major John Murray, International Headquarters Communications and Literary Secretary. While at the mint, the pair also spoke to the team involved in the coin production, explaining the history of The Salvation Army and its current ministry in 126 countries.

The Royal Mint has an unbroken history of minting British coinage for more than 1,000 years and has a tradition of making medals and commemorative coins, including all 4,700 victory medals for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

By Kevin Sims -

This article was included in issue one of Boundless Today. Click to read all issues of Boundless Today.