2006 Silver Proof 50p Coin - The Victoria Cross - The Award

THE VICTORIA CROSS 1856-2006 - THE AWARD

The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.  All who have received it have shown conspicuous bravery, many at the cost of their own lives.

The original idea for the Victoria Cross was proposed by the Duke of Newcastle in 1854 and the Royal Warrant for the creation of the medal was eventually signed by Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palalce on 29th January 1856.

The first investiture took place in June 1857 in Hyde Park, where crowds gathered to witness the Queen, mounted on horseback presenting medals to sailors and soldiers.

The Crimean War had taken place before the Cross was instituted but the earliest awards were made to sailors and soldiers who had fought in that war.  Lieutenant Charles Lucas, who was serving the Royal Navy in the Baltic Sea in 1854, was the first person to be awarded the Cross.  He recevied the VC for outstanding courage when he snatched up a live shell that had landed on the desk of his ship, HMS Hecla, and tossed it overboard, saving the lives of the entire crew.

Coin Specifications

Denomination - Fifty Pence

Alloy - .925 sterling silver

Weight - 8.00gms

Diameter - 27.30mm

Issue Limit - 7,500

Encapsulated and housed in the original Royal Mint box with the Certificate of Authenticity, this is a limited edition coin from the Royal Mint.