⅕ Crown - Elizabeth II (Admiral Somerville) 1994 front ⅕ Crown - Elizabeth II (Admiral Somerville) 1994 back
no image

⅕ Crown - Elizabeth II Admiral Somerville

1994 year
Gold (.999) 6.22 g 22 mm
Description
Issuer
Gibraltar (British Overseas Territories)
Queen
Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
1994
Value
⅕ Crown (1⁄20)
Currency
Crown Coinage (1967-date)
Composition
Gold (.999)
Weight
6.22 g
Diameter
22 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated
2024-10-08
References
Numista
N#361831
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Portrait of Admiral Somerville with ship and Gibraltar in background

Script: Latin

Lettering:
WORLD WAR II
ADMIRAL SOMERVILLE
1/5
CROWN

Edge

Milled

Comment

A veteran of the Dardanelles, Sir James Somerville was a fine surface commander despite having been invalided out in 1939. He volunteered at Dunkirk and returned on the last ship to leave Calais. Recalled to active service as Commander of Force 'H' based on Gibraltar, his first duty was described by Churchill as "one of the most disagreeable and difficult tasks a British Admiral has ever been faced with the bombardment of the French squadron at Mers-el-Kabir on 3rd July 1940, when Admiral Gensoul failed to guarantee immobilisation. Under Sir James, Force 'H' valiantly protected convoys to Malta, covered Operation Tiger taking thanks to Wavell in North Africa and disabled the Bismark with the Ark Royal's torpedo bombers. When Japan entered the war he was given command of the Eastern Fleet, making successful air raids on Sumatra and Java and attacking Diego Suarez on Madagascar. He was made Admiral of the Fleet in 1945.

Interesting fact

The Admiral Somerville ⅕ Crown coin from Gibraltar features a unique design, showcasing a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side, while the reverse side depicts a portrait of Admiral Edward Somerville, a prominent British naval officer who played a significant role in World War II. This coin is made of 99.9% gold and weighs 6.22 grams, making it a valuable and collectible item for numismatists and history enthusiasts.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
1994  5000 - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for ⅕ Crown - Elizabeth II (Admiral Somerville) 1994 coin.