25 Pounds - Elizabeth II Dambusters Raid
2008 year| Gold (.9167) | 7.98 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Guernsey |
|---|---|
| Queen | Elizabeth II (1952-2022) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 2008 |
| Value | 25 Pounds 25 GGP = USD 33 |
| Currency | Pound (decimalized, 1971-date) |
| Composition | Gold (.9167) |
| Weight | 7.98 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#402217 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Lancaster Bomber plane flying over a breached dam.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
HISTORY OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE
DAMBUSTERS RAID
1943
25 POUNDS
Edge
Milled
Comment
Operation Chastise (better known as the Bambuster Raid) was a spectacular attempt to paralyses German industry by destroying a series of dams in the Ruhr Valley. 617 Squadron was formed specifically to carry out the raid, using a special "Bouncing Bomb" that the great aviation engineer Barnes Wallis had designed, delivered in the Avro Lancaster heavy bomber, Wing Commander Guy Gibson led the operation and handpicked the crews. Training was intensive, as time was limited and the bombs had to be dropped with extreme precision. The raid took place on the night of 16/17 May 1943, with 19 aircraft split into three waves. The first, of nine aircraft, headed for the Mohne, Sorpe and Eder dams. The second wave of five aircraft headed straight for the Sorpe. The third wave of five aircraft was to provide back up. Guy Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross for his exploits, and 32 other crew members were decorated. Eight of the nineteen aircraft and their crews failed to return.
Interesting fact
The 25 Pound - Elizabeth II (Dambusters Raid) 2008 coin from Guernsey is a unique and interesting collector's item. One fascinating fact about this coin is that it was minted to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, a daring World War II operation in which a squadron of British Lancaster bombers carried out a nighttime attack on several dams in Nazi Germany's Ruhr Valley. The coin's design features an image of the famous Dam Busters squadron's insignia, along with an image of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. The coin's gold content and limited mintage make it a valuable and sought-after collector's item for numismatists and history enthusiasts alike.
