2019-08-02 Fri

Pobjoy Mint released a set of three coins to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the day when World War II began. The coins have been issued for British Indian Ocean Territory. The first coin depicts a British Airforce officer along with Hurricane, Spitfire, and Lancaster fighter planes in the background. The second coin depicts a British Navy officer along with King George class battleship, an Admiral class battlecruiser and a Flower-class corvette in the background. A British Army officer along with Matilda, Churchill, and Cromwell tanks are shown on the third coin. Other inscriptions on the reverse side include the texts “1939 – The Second World War – 1945” and denomination £2. The obverse side depicts an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II that's exclusively designed by Pobjoy Mint.

The .925 Silver version has a mintage limit of 2,000 sets while the Cu-Ni version has a mintage limit of 10,000 sets. Coins of both versions weigh 28.28 grams and have a diameter of 38.6 millimetres. The silver coins can be bought separately in single coin boxes or in a three-coin box along with a Certificate of Authenticity. The cupro-nickel coins are packed in tubes; blue pouches can be ordered for an additional cost.

The RAF Station Diego Garcia and an advanced flying boat unit were set up in 1942 near the East Point Plantation. These units were located in present-day British Indian Ocean Territory. The station was utilised to fly planes that would search for Japanese and German submarines and surface raiders. Six naval guns were installed at Cannon Point. In February 1942, the unit was used to protect the small Royal Navy base and Royal Air Force station from the Japanese army. After the end of Second World War, the station was officially shut down on 30th April 1946.

Image Courtesy: Pobjoy Mint