British Armed Forces Coins, Medallions and Bars

Royal Air Force

The Royal Air Force was formed on 1st April, 1918. It was formed at the end of World War I from the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. 

Since its formation, the RAF has played a vital role in British military history, the most famous being The Battle of Britain, in which the Royal Air Force in combination with the Royal Navy, Fleet Air Arm and Royal Canadian Air Force defended the British Isles with the legendary Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire planes.

Royal Navy

Founded in 1546, the UK's Royal Navy is the oldest of the UK's armed forces and as such has been bestowed the nickname the Senior Service.

For over 200 years the Royal Navy was considered the world's most powerful navy, playing a key role in establishing and defending the British Empire. Notable moments in history include the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and of course, the Battle of the Atlantic throughout World War II, in which the Royal Navy fought to defend and secure the supply lines to keep the UK and its allies in the fight.

British Army

The British Army is the UK's primary land force. Founded in 1707, the Army has seen involvement in most major wars in recent history, including both World Wars.

The formation of the Army dates back to the formation of the United Kingdom itself, in which the English and Scottish armies united into the British Army. The British Army has fought through many gruelling conflicts, notably the Battle of the Somme during World War I, the Battles of El Alamein in Egypt during World War II, and the now legendary stand of the 1st Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment during the Battle of Imjin River in the Korean War.

What is Proof?

Proof coins are specially produced to a much higher standard of finish than bullion coins, with multiple strikes for a highly-detailed design. These coins are not graded by condition but are instead defined by their method of production. Originally created as pre-production samples, proof coins now serve a prominent role in the collector's market.

Read more in our blog, What is Proof? An Overview of Coin Finishes.