5 Pounds (King's Speech) – Guernsey
Non-circulating coins
Commemoration: The 80th Anniversary of the King's Speech
Context
Year: 2019
Country: British Crown dependencies
Issuer: Guernsey
Ruler: Elizabeth II
Currency:
(since 1971)
Total mintage: 80
Material
Diameter: 38.61 mm
Weight: 31.1 g
Gold weight: 31.07 g
Shape: Round
Composition: 99.9% Gold
Standard: Silver ounce
Magnetic: No
Technique: Milled
Alignment: Medal alignment
flip
References
Numista: #384512
Value
Exchange value: 5 GGP
Bullion value: $5180.13
Obverse
Description:
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in right profile.
Inscription:
ELIZABETH II BAILIWICK OF GUERSEY •
IRB
FIVE POUNDS • 2019
IRB
FIVE POUNDS • 2019
Script: Latin
Engraver: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS
Reverse
Description:
King George VI's full speech. Date centered: 03.09.1939. Border text: STAND CALM AND FIRM AND UNITED • KING GEORGE VI
Inscription:
STAND CALM AND FIRM AND UNITED
03.09.1939
• KING GEORGE VI •
In this grave hour, perhaps the most fateful in our history, I send to every household of my peoples, both at home and overseas, this message, spoken with the same depth of feeling for each one of you as if I were able to cross your threshold and speak to you myself.
For the second time in the lives of most of us we are at war.
Over and over again we have tried to find a peaceful way out of the differences between ourselves and those who are now our enemies. But it has been in vain. We have been forced into a conflict. For we are called, with our allies, to meet the challenge of a principle which, if it were to prevail, would be fatal to any civilized order in the world.
It is the principle which permits a state, in the selfish pursuit of power, to disregard its treaties and its solemn pledges; which sanctions the use of force, or threat of force, against the sovereignty and independence of other states.
Such a principle, stripped of all disguise, is surely the mere primitive doctrine that "might is right"; and if this principle were established throughout the world, the freedom of our own country and of the whole of the British Commonwealth of Nations would be in danger. But far more than this -- the peoples of the world would be kept in the bondage of fear, and all hopes of settled peace and of the security of justice and liberty among nations would be ended.
This is the ultimate issue which confronts us. For the sake of all that we ourselves hold dear, and of the world order and peace, it is unthinkable that we should refuse to meet the challenge.
It is to this high purpose that I now call my people at home and my peoples across the seas, who will make our cause their own. I ask them to stand calm and firm and united in this time of trial. The task will be hard. There may be dark days ahead, and war can no longer be confined to the battlefield. But we can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God.
If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for whatever service or sacrifice it may demand, then, with God's help, we shall prevail.
May He bless and keep us all.
03.09.1939
• KING GEORGE VI •
In this grave hour, perhaps the most fateful in our history, I send to every household of my peoples, both at home and overseas, this message, spoken with the same depth of feeling for each one of you as if I were able to cross your threshold and speak to you myself.
For the second time in the lives of most of us we are at war.
Over and over again we have tried to find a peaceful way out of the differences between ourselves and those who are now our enemies. But it has been in vain. We have been forced into a conflict. For we are called, with our allies, to meet the challenge of a principle which, if it were to prevail, would be fatal to any civilized order in the world.
It is the principle which permits a state, in the selfish pursuit of power, to disregard its treaties and its solemn pledges; which sanctions the use of force, or threat of force, against the sovereignty and independence of other states.
Such a principle, stripped of all disguise, is surely the mere primitive doctrine that "might is right"; and if this principle were established throughout the world, the freedom of our own country and of the whole of the British Commonwealth of Nations would be in danger. But far more than this -- the peoples of the world would be kept in the bondage of fear, and all hopes of settled peace and of the security of justice and liberty among nations would be ended.
This is the ultimate issue which confronts us. For the sake of all that we ourselves hold dear, and of the world order and peace, it is unthinkable that we should refuse to meet the challenge.
It is to this high purpose that I now call my people at home and my peoples across the seas, who will make our cause their own. I ask them to stand calm and firm and united in this time of trial. The task will be hard. There may be dark days ahead, and war can no longer be confined to the battlefield. But we can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God.
If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for whatever service or sacrifice it may demand, then, with God's help, we shall prevail.
May He bless and keep us all.
Script: Latin
Edge
Milled
Mintings
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Quality | Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | — | 80 | Proof |
Historical background
In 2019, Guernsey's currency situation was characterised by its long-standing and stable framework, with the island operating its own distinct pound, the Guernsey Pound (GGP), which was pegged at par with the British Pound Sterling (GBP). This meant that Guernsey issued its own banknotes and coins, which were legal tender only on the island, while Sterling circulated interchangeably locally. The system was underpinned by the requirement for the States of Guernsey to hold sufficient Sterling reserves to fully back its own note issue, ensuring confidence and monetary stability. This arrangement provided the autonomy to produce currency with local imagery while being sheltered from direct foreign exchange fluctuations through the fixed link to Sterling.
The year proceeded without significant monetary policy upheaval, as Guernsey, not being part of the United Kingdom or the European Union, did not have a central bank and did not set independent interest rates. However, the overarching shadow of Brexit dominated the economic landscape. While the currency peg itself was not in question, there were concerns about potential practical disruptions to cash flow and financial services, as well as the longer-term economic impact on the island's key finance industry, which could indirectly affect currency stability. The States of Guernsey worked to ensure robust liquidity and contingency plans were in place.
Overall, 2019 represented a period of continuity for Guernsey's currency, with the established system functioning smoothly. The primary focus for authorities was less on the mechanics of the peg and more on safeguarding the island's economy from external shocks, particularly the impending departure of the UK from the EU. The stability of the Guernsey Pound remained a cornerstone, providing a predictable monetary environment amid wider geopolitical uncertainty.
The year proceeded without significant monetary policy upheaval, as Guernsey, not being part of the United Kingdom or the European Union, did not have a central bank and did not set independent interest rates. However, the overarching shadow of Brexit dominated the economic landscape. While the currency peg itself was not in question, there were concerns about potential practical disruptions to cash flow and financial services, as well as the longer-term economic impact on the island's key finance industry, which could indirectly affect currency stability. The States of Guernsey worked to ensure robust liquidity and contingency plans were in place.
Overall, 2019 represented a period of continuity for Guernsey's currency, with the established system functioning smoothly. The primary focus for authorities was less on the mechanics of the peg and more on safeguarding the island's economy from external shocks, particularly the impending departure of the UK from the EU. The stability of the Guernsey Pound remained a cornerstone, providing a predictable monetary environment amid wider geopolitical uncertainty.
✨ Legendary