5 Pounds - Elizabeth II Sir Frank Whittle; Silver Proof
2008 year| Silver (.925) | 28.28 g | 38.6 mm |
| Issuer | Jersey (British Crown dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Queen | Elizabeth II (1952-2022) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 2008 |
| Value | 5 Pounds 5 JEP = USD 6.55 |
| Currency | Pound (decimalized, 1971-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.925) |
| Weight | 28.28 g |
| Diameter | 38.6 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#397400 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Portrait of Sir Frank Whittle with turbojet engine on left, denomination below.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
HISTORY OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE
SIR FRANK WHITTLE
FIVE POUNDS
Edge
Milled
Comment
Born in 1907, Frank Whittle qualified as a pilot officer in 1928. While a cadet he produced a thesis on high speed, high altitude flight, proposing the use of a motor-jet, using a conventional piston engine to provide compressed air to a combustion chamber, whose exhaust was used directly for thrust. Whittle pursued the idea, but decided it was impractical . Then he thought, "Why not substitute a turbine for the piston engine" In 1929 he sent the idea to Air Ministry who rejected it. Whittle continued working on it, however, and in 1935 formed Power Jets Ltd. He had to wait until 1940 for Air Ministry backing. By April 1941 the engine was ready and on May 15, 1941 the W.1- powered E.28/39 took off from Cranwell, reaching a maximum speed of around 545 km/h (340 mph), faster than the latest Spitfires.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features Sir Frank Whittle, a British engineer and RAF officer who is credited with the invention of the turbojet engine. The coin was issued in 2008 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Whittle's birth.
