2016-06-25 Sat

On 15th June, The Royal Mint released Piedfort silver Proof strike coins and a 22 karat gold Proof 2 pound coins remembering the Great Fire of London. The fire was historical as it had a major impact on London’s economy and infrastructure. A maid failed to put out a fire under an oven in a baker’s shop which spread beyond control from September 2nd to 5th, 1666.

Charles II had left the city to stay safe from plague. He came back to take full charge of the operation “Great Fire London”. He ordered to breakdown the buildings so that the fire runs out of the wood it required to burn. He also opened navy rations for people who were planning to leave the city. Considering the intensity of the fire, the casualty was far less. Only 5 people died due to the fire, but many others died eventually after losing their homes and because of other indirect reasons. Major medieval buildings like Royal Exchange, Guildhall, and St. Paul’s Cathedral had to be broken down and rebuilt. The fire also had some positive implications. Wooden structures were replaced by buildings made of concrete and bricks to make sure that such a fire does not break out again in the future. Many slums were destructed which put an end to the raging plague that was prevalent in those times. Fire safety measures were increased by the government. Sir Christopher Wren, a noted English architect, planned the new city and implemented it in 30 long years.

The reverse of the Royal Mint coin depicts London’s 17th century skyline with the buildings set ablaze. The obverse features the common portrait of Queen Elizabeth II which is currently being used.

The mintage limit of the 2 Pounds 12 gram silver Proof coin is 10,500 pieces; that of the 24 gram Silver coin of the same denomination is 5000 pieces and that of the gold proof coin is 1000 pieces. The Piedfort silver pieces are available in 3,500 different presentation pieces and the gold coins are available to 800 presentation pieces.