The latest coins from the UK’s Royal Mint celebrating theiconic Tower of London were released, that feature the Yeoman Warders who havewatched over the tower and its collections, including the Crown Jewels forgenerations.
Following on from the Crown Jewels coin, the Yeoman Warderscoin continues the epic story of one of Britain’s most iconic heritage sites, aUnesco World Heritage site, Xinhua news agency reported.
In order to become a Yeoman Warders recruits, both men andwomen, must have served in the British military for a minimum of 22 years andmust also have reached the rank of warrant officer.
They were once part of the Yeomen of the Guard, themonarch’s bodyguards who accompanied and protected kings or queens everywhere theywent.
In Tudor times, King Henry VII believed such an importantbuilding as the Tower of London also needed special protection, and so theRoyal Bodyguard took on a new duty. The Yeoman Warders were formed for thisspecific task, which they still carry out today.
Royal Mint Director of Consumer Business Nicola Howell saidon Thursday: “The Yeoman Warders are such an iconic part of BritishHistory and an integral part of the Tower of London. No visit to the Tower ispossible without the Warders and we are delighted to be celebrating theirhistory of service with this coin. The coin also featuring a special Tower mintmark that represents the relationship between the Tower of London and The RoyalMint.”
Emma Saunders from Historic Royal Palaces said: “We arethrilled to be working with The Royal Mint on these stunning coins, whichcelebrate the Yeoman Warders long and distinguished service and vitalcontribution to British history.”
The reverse design of each coin in the collection shows asection of the ancient walls and also features a special Tower mint mark, whichis the first time this has appeared on a British coin and is a sign ofauthenticity and trust. It depicts the White Tower, demonstrating the linkbetween the Tower of London and The Royal Mint, which operated within thefortress for centuries.
The Tower of London collection includes coins featuring heLegend of the Ravens, The Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warders.
The coins are in denominations of five pounds, 10 pounds, 25pounds.