Why does everyone want the new Kitchener £2?

Since its release into general circulation a few weeks ago, the new First World War £2 has really caused a stir amongst coin collectors. And it is easy to see why.

The famous ‘Your Country Needs You’ poster featuring Lord Kitchener was originally used during the First World War campaign for enlistment.  The enduring image of Kitchener’s pointing finger, stern face and distinguished moustache has grown to become a symbol of wartime Britain and of national pride and it is rare to see such an iconic design on a circulation coin.

The familiarity of the image poses a problem for collectors; it is undoubtedly a stand-out design and one which is likely to be taken out of circulation by both collectors and the general public alike.

When you consider that it is also the very first coin to be issued as part of the Royal Mint’s five year programme commemorating the the First World War, the chances of finding one in your change appear to be slim.

Kitchener eBay

The new Kitchener £2 has been selling on eBay for over 3 times its face value

A quick look on eBay will tell you everything you need to know about the popularity of the Kitchener £2, which has been exchanging hands for in excess of three times its face value. Whilst the final mintage will remain unknown for some time, the consensus is that this will certainly be one to keep for years to come.

 

Which new 2015 coin is your favourite? VOTE NOW…

The new coins for 2015 have been revealed by The Royal Mint, but what do you think about the designs? Vote for your favourite in our poll below.

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2015 Battle of Britain 50p

  • Battle of Britain 50p

Next year’s 50p commemorating the Battle of Britain features three men rushing to their grounded aircraft, while a multitude of aircraft swarm in the skies ahead. The designer Gary Breeze wanted to convey the sense of danger which was posed at the time, and drew from his Grandfather’s own experience of the German bombers.

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2015 Magna Carta £2

  • Magna Carta £2

John Bergdahl’s Magna Carta £2 design has a prominent medieval style and is very reminiscent of coins of that era. King John features at the centre, clutching the Magna Carta and a quill, with the anniversary and dates appearing around the outside.

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2015 Royal Navy £2

  •  Royal Navy £2

The second design in the First World War £2 commemorative series focuses on the Royal Navy’s role. The reverse design for the new 2015 coin by David Rowlands features the imposing image of a battleship from the era approaching on the open sea.

  • Waterloo £5
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2015 Battle of Waterloo £5

The new Waterloo £5 features a design by David Lawrence depicting the relationship between Wellington and Blücher which proved to be so important to the eventual allied victory against Napoleon. In a very detailed and intricate design, both men are shaking hands while on horseback, with the scene of the famous battlefield in the background.

  • Churchill £5

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    2015 Winston Churchill £5

Churchill’s death in 1965 led to him becoming the first person outside of the Royal Family to be honoured on a coin. That coin was the 1965 crown, and this new £5 coin 50 years on bears some similarities to the original design, with Churchill’s recognisable face featuring very prominently.

2015 will be a vintage year for UK coins and there are certainly some interesting themes being commemorated. But which of these five new designs is your favourite? Vote in our poll here;

It’s here! How you can own the 2014 First World War £2

Following the resounding success of Change Checker’s Great Commonwealth Games 50p Swap (see the feedback on Twitter here) during which we swapped well over 6,000 coins, we are pleased to introduce the First World War £2 Coin Swap – offering collectors the chance to own the very latest commemorative coin before it has even entered circulation!

The new First World War £2 features Lord Kitchener's famous pose

The new First World War £2 features Lord Kitchener’s famous pose

The 2014 First World War £2 is the most highly anticipated circulation coin in recent memory. With Lord Kitchener’s iconic call to arms adorning the reverse, it is set to be one of the most collectable coins for years to come.

We know that all too often the newest coins can be the trickiest to get hold of, but our philosophy is to offer keen collectors the unique chance to own them in the fairest way possible – by swapping with us on a like for like basis.

If you are new to Change Checker or new to our swapping process, here is how it works;

checkboxChoose the £2 coin(s) you would like to swap. This can be any commemorative design from the last 15 years and you can swap up to a maximum of FIVE coins with us. Bear in mind we are only swapping commemorative designs not the definitive ‘Technology’ £2.

checkboxComplete our quick online form. We will email you a copy of this to print out and send in with your coin(s).


checkboxYou’ll receive your
brand new and uncirculated First World War £2 coin(s) within 10 working days of posting yours.

 

Posting coins

We’ve got your First World War £2 ready to send!

It’s as easy as that!

Please also remember to obtain proof of postage from the Post Office – this will help us out with any customer service queries if they arise.

Ready? Click here to get started!