We’ve seen a marked increase in the number of precious metal coins selling for the same price as their face value, primarily driven by the Royal Canadian Mint with it’s $20 for $20 range, quickly followed by $50, $100 and even $200 coins.

Jumping on board the concept, the Royal Mint released a £20 for £20 coin in September 2013 depicting Benedetto Pistruccis’s classic St. George & the Dragon design. It was a hit, so much so that it was followed up in July 2014 with a First World War commemorative version called ‘Outbreak’. Now the third coin has been announced and as befitting the 50th anniversary of his death, depicts one of history’s great leaders, Sir Winston Churchill.

There are no changes to the coin format from previous designs. It’s a half-ounce, fine-silver coin mounted in a card. Of note is the reduction in mintage to just 200,000 from the previous issues 250,000. With this and the far earlier debut in the year than before, could we be seeing more than a single release in 2015?

As for the design, we think it’s absolutely superb. Devoid of unnecessary clutter, the artist has done a brilliant job, capturing the very essence of the man. If this doesn’t sell out in rapid order, we’ll be very surprised. I’d even go as far as to say that this is up there with the 2014 Britannia and would implore the mint to get some proof versions of this design out there. A 5oz proof silver version would be a real stand-out coin in my opinion. Excellent.

Available to order today for, you guessed it, £20.