2008 Silver and Gold Proof Honoring Lord Nelson with an Actual Piece of His Ship
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of one of Great Britain’s most celebrated naval heroes, the British Virgin Islands has issued this massive two and a half ounce Silver Proof covered in 24 karat gold. The coin depicts Britannia, standing on the prow of a ship being crowned by the Winged Goddess of Victory with a wreath of laurel. Nelson’s decisive defeat of the French and Spanish fleets at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805 helped to elevate Britain to world power naval status. His death in this battle is commemorated throughout the United Kingdom and his ship, the the HMS Victory, is currently being restored. Included with this Proof is an actual piece of oak taken from HMS Victory. It’s your chance to own a piece of history!