Throughout the month of September, ill be looking back at historical moments from the past. From conflicts to coronations, sporting moments to royal memories, and famous firsts and lasts, with my love of all things shiny and precious, ill be trying to tie these events in with coins that have been created to commemorate these moments.
On 27 September 2016 it was declared by the World Health Organisation that the UK had successfully eradicated measles after three clear years without it circulating throughout the country.
While there had been a small number of cases, most brought in from abroad, but they had been controlled and were not spreading, marking a great success for the UK.
With whats currently going on in the world, i thought it rather apt that todays interesting coin for every occasion fact should be about vaccinations.......
The National Health Service is one of our greatest achievements, and without it a grest majority of UK residents would struggle to afford any form of health care. While I do look at the system the United States has, for example, and admire their cutting edge technologies, their speed of recovery and wide range of treatments, having a health serivce that is **FREE at the point of service is something im sure the rest of the world wished it had??
To commemorate the achievements and celebrate the NHS' 50th year of service, the Royal mint, back in 1998 released this amazing 0.916 (22ct) gold 50 pence. Weighing in at a respectable 15.5g (1/2 oz) this beautiful looking coin can no longer be purchased dorect from the Mint, but must now be sourced else wherenon the secondary market. When first released, it was avaifor an eye watering £1140, which is almost double the "spot" proce of the gold it contained(at todays prices). Back then gold was cheaper and so the premiums were technically even higher....
While i couldnt find any sold prices, they are available on Ebay for pretty much the same price as was sold by the RM. Is this coin worth the premiums?? I dont know, but i do know that having the NHS is a priceless gift and for that im very thankful.
SOURCE: ROYAL MINT
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