2009 - 50th Anniversary of the Mini

The States of Alderney are issuing commemorative coins in order to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Mini.  

These coins will delight all car lovers, particularly those who have owned a Mini and those that still own one today.

This collection features four different designs as follows:

The Revolutionary Mini In the mid 1950s, due to fuel shortages and the re-introduction of petrol rationing, public demand was for smaller, more economical vehicles.  Alec Issigonis was asked by the British Motor Corporation to design a car large enough to seat 4 passengers which would also be economical to drive.  The outcome was the Mini – a front wheel drive that, for the first time, mounted the engine transversely.  This design shows the Mini from four different angles.

The Racing Mini The world of motor sport soon began to see the racing potential of this small car.  John Cooper developed the Mini Cooper which had a racing-tuned engine, twin SU carburettors, a closer-ratio gear-box and front disc brakes.  This highly effective racing car achieved 22 victories in important international rallies, which included three wins at the Monte Carlo Rally.  This coin design celebrates the 3 wins in 1964, 1965 and 1967.

The Swinging Sixties This decade was the heyday of the Mini.  Owners included the rich and famous, such as the Beatles and even Her Majesty the Queen however its price meant that it was also affordable to most of the population.  Car ownership doubled and the first traffic wardens were employed.  This design show the Mini in the world famous Carnaby Street. The flowers on the bonnet of the car are offset in bright pink which add to the Swinging Sixties atmosphere.

A British Classic The name “Mini” was derived from the Latin for smallest – minimus.  The Mini was so popular that it even featured on the big screen in timeless classics such as “The Italian Job”.  The Mini has received countless awards over the years including “Car of the Century”, “Number One Classic Car of All Time” and “European Car of the Century” in a worldwide Internet poll in 1999.  This design simply shows the classic Mini.

The coins are available in £5 silver either individually or a part of a four coin set.  Each coin comes complete with a presentation case and informative story card and a certificate of authenticity.

The British Classic design is also available in Cupro-Nickel and comes encased in a specially designed pack offering an overview of the Mini’s history.  This design is also available as a stunning £1 Gold coin housed in a walnut veneer presentation case.

A £10 and £5 Silver coin are also available in the British Classic Design with a coloured union jack roof.

The above designs are by the artist David Cornell FRSA.  The obverse of the coins show the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank- Broadley FRBS.  

If you would like to place an order please complete the order form overleaf and return it to our agent, The Alderney Post Office, 18 Victoria Street, Alderney, Channel Islands, GY9 3TA.  Also for any queries regarding the coin issue please telephone the Post Office on 01481 822644.