5 Pounds - Elizabeth II (The Sopwith Camel; Silver Proof) 2017 front 5 Pounds - Elizabeth II (The Sopwith Camel; Silver Proof) 2017 back
5 Pounds - Elizabeth II (The Sopwith Camel; Silver Proof) 2017 photo
© The Royal Mint, 2017

5 Pounds - Elizabeth II The Sopwith Camel; Silver Proof

2017 year
Silver (.925) 28.28 g 38.61 mm
Description
Issuer
United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
Queen
Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
2017
Value
5 Pounds 5 GBP = USD 6.55
Currency
Pound sterling (decimalized, 1971-date)
Composition
Silver (.925)
Weight
28.28 g
Diameter
38.61 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#222345
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

A view of a Sopwith Camel shown directly in front of the propeller, legend above.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
1914 THE FIRST WORLD WAR 1918
EE

Engraver: Edwina Ellis

Edge

Plain with incuse lettering

Script: Latin

Lettering: IRRITATUS LACESSIT CRABRO

Translation: The hornet attacks when roused

Comment

This British aircraft was a compact, single-seat biplane fighter introduced in 1917. It was the first British fighter designed to carry two side-by-side, forward-firing machine guns, which were positioned in front of the pilot. The hump-shape over the guns gave the Camel its name. The edge inscription is the motto for No. 213 Squadron of the Royal Air Force.

The fourth of six sets of £5 coins issued between 2014 and 2018, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First World War. This issue was part of the 6-coin set released in 2017, remembering the Stories of The First World War and was also struck in gold proof. Issue limit: 1,917.

©The Royal Mint, 2017

Interesting fact

The Sopwith Camel depicted on this coin was a British First World War single-seat fighter aircraft that was introduced in 1917. It was known for its distinctive "humped" appearance and was highly maneuverable, making it a formidable opponent in dogfights. The Sopwith Camel was also powered by a rotary engine, which gave it a unique sound and made it easily recognizable to enemy pilots.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
2017  573 - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 5 Pounds - Elizabeth II (The Sopwith Camel; Silver Proof) 2017 coin.