David Lammy attends the launch of the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Commemorative £2 Coins.

Tuesday, 17 April 2007

David Lammy joined the Royal Mint yesterday, as it unveiled its abolition of the slave trade £2 precious metal commemorative coins. Limited issue gold and silver coins have been launched to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. Passed on the 25th March 1807, the Act set out to abolish the slave trade within Britain and its colonies and outlawed the involvement of British ships in the trade. The base metal coin is anticipated to enter general circulation this autumn. The reverse design of this special coin, by David Gentleman RDI, features the anniversary date (1807) intertwined with a broken chain, symbolising a break in the chains of oppression. David Gentleman, the artist, illustrator and designer of many British stamps, also designed the Royal Mint's 2005 coin commemorating the Entente Cordiale. Reflecting on his new 1807 design, he said: 'Although at first I found many historic images of the slave trade horrifying, but fascinating as subject matter, slavery itself continued in the Americas long after this Act. So, rather than using an emotive, but generalised image of slavery, this more symbolic design focuses on the precise importance of the 1807 Act in abolishing Britain's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. The broken 0, or shackle, in 1807 identifies the date of the Act of Abolition with the release from subjection that the act brought nearer.' Andy Mitchell, Director of Collector Coin Marketing for the Royal Mint, said: 'The lead Britain took in outlawing the slave trade was an example followed by many other countries and the 200th anniversary is an opportunity for us to commemorate this important advance in freedom. The limited issue coin is one that can be enjoyed by collectors, historians and the general public.' The precious metal versions of the abolition of the slave trade £2 coin have been produced in addition to the Brilliant Uncirculated base metal coin, which was launched in November 2006. The abolition of the slave trade £2 coin is available in gold at £395 with a limited issue of 1,000, in silver at £29.95 with a limited issue of 10,000, and in base metal as a £2 Brilliant Uncirculated coin at £7.45, with a limited issue of 100,000. For further information or to order your coin please contact the Royal Mint Coin Club on 0845 60 88 300 or visit www.royalmint.com

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