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Coining
it in The Shetland Kroner coins depict, in colour, one of the A class ships due in Lerwick, with a map of the race route on the other side. There are 10 different ships in the series, representing eight nations from as far apart as Mexico, Norway and Russia. The coins have been designed and developed by Shetland-based numismatist Barry Williams, who was responsible for producing the Shetland Bus commemorative coins 10 years ago. That was a huge success with good sales in the isles and a great deal of interest elsewhere. But the time and cost of planning a coin issue has meant that Mr Williams has not been able to build on that locally until now. "There simply hasn't been a big enough event in Shetland since then to justify a coin issue," he said. "The Cutty Sark Tall Shipsí Races is the most significant event which could be commemorated to happen here for many, many years." Mr Williams plans to market the coins in the other race ports of St Malo, in France, Greenock and Aalborg, in Denmark. He hopes that the many visitors expected in Shetland at the time of the tall ships and the crewmembers themselves, will be keen to acquire a coin in memory of the event. The ships which are depicted are the Norwegian trio Statsraad Lehmkuhl, Christian Radich and Sorlandet; the Alexander von Humboldt, from Germany, the Cuauhtemoc, from Mexico, the Danish Danmark, the Dutch Eendracht and Swan fan Makkum, the Russian Kruzenshtern and the Polish Pogoria. The eagle-eyed among you will notice a reference to the forthcoming solar eclipse on the reverse of the coin. As a keen astronomer, Mr Williams felt that this unusual event which is due on August 11th, deserved a mention. Shetland will witness a partial eclipse, with 70 per cent of the sun obscured by the moon. The coins, which are being struck at the Tower Mint, London, are available in proof-quality cupro-nickel (for £9.95), Sterling silver (£35) and 22 carat gold on Sterling silver (£45). The release date is 15th June, and the coins will be on sale at the Sail Shetland Information Office and the jeweller shop, J.G. Rae. There will be a discount for anyone placing an order before then. The coins come in a glossy, card display case, packed with information about the ships, Shetland and the races. Special boxes for full sets can also be ordered. |
