Ceylon / Sri Lanka
Assam, India
Japan
Taiwan
Nepal
China
Kenya
Egypt
South Africa
Specification
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Alloy
Fine Silver - 999Ag
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Denomination
£1
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Weight
1oz
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Authority
St Helena
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Diameter
38.61mm
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Edge
Milled
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Issue limit
1000
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Total Mintage
1000
BEHIND THE CRAFT
Behind the Craft - Napoleon Bee
When Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804, he wanted to replace the remnants of the fallen Bourbon dynasty, including the Fleur de Lys. He learned about the discovery of the tomb of Childeric I, king of the Merovingian Franks, and the 300 tiny gold bees that were found buried alongside his remains as a symbol of immortality.
The bee is symbolic of harmony, working together for a bigger cause. Napoleon recognised these important characteristics and used golden bees on his Coat of Arms, the motifs stitched into his coronation robe and the patterns on the wallpaper and carpets of his palaces.
The Bee takes centre stage on this anniversary coin, which captures the natural beauty of this symbol of industry and harmony that connected Napoleon’s new Empire to the kings of ancient French history.
A swarm of bees is picked out in Proof frosting while a single bee forms a punctuation point in the coin’s outer circle, positioned opposite the East India Company mint mark. |
•A strictly limited edition of just 1,000 coins worldwide
•Struck in gleaming 999 fine silver to our highest Proof quality finish •Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet •Exclusive new 200th anniversary ‘Bee’ design |
Product Detail
The Bee takes centre stage on this anniversary coin, which captures the natural beauty of this symbol of industry and harmony that connected Napoleon’s new Empire to the kings of ancient French history.
A swarm of bees is picked out in Proof frosting while a single bee forms a punctuation point in the coin’s outer circle, positioned opposite the East India Company mint mark. |
•A strictly limited edition of just 1,000 coins worldwide
•Struck in gleaming 999 fine silver to our highest Proof quality finish •Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet •Exclusive new 200th anniversary ‘Bee’ design |
Stories
Napoleon’s Bees;
Harmony, Industry, Immortality
After Napoleon’s final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 he was exiled to St Helena, a peaceful island owned by the East India Company, used as a stopping off point on voyages between India and the UK.
He lived on the island at Longwood House until his death in 1821, when he was buried under a willow tree in the garden. A simple gravestone marked the spot, with none of the fanfare or tributes that the once mighty Emperor might have expected.
He lived on the island at Longwood House until his death in 1821, when he was buried under a willow tree in the garden. A simple gravestone marked the spot, with none of the fanfare or tributes that the once mighty Emperor might have expected.
While he may have been buried in St Helena, Napoleon’s wish was to be laid to rest “on the banks of the Seine, among the French people I have loved so much.” His wish was granted in 1840, when his remains were returned to France.
Huge crowds witnessed the procession from the port of Le Havre to Napoleon’s final resting place at Les Invalides in Paris, a triumphant return that saw Napoleon’s coffin transported by a horse drawn cortege upon which, according to newspaper reports, “on both sides hung two velvet imperial mantles, sprinkled with bees.”
Huge crowds witnessed the procession from the port of Le Havre to Napoleon’s final resting place at Les Invalides in Paris, a triumphant return that saw Napoleon’s coffin transported by a horse drawn cortege upon which, according to newspaper reports, “on both sides hung two velvet imperial mantles, sprinkled with bees.”
Napoleon Bonaparte built an Empire across Europe before defeat at Waterloo in 1815 saw him exiled to St Helena, a peaceful island owned at the time by the East India Company. He lived out his final years on St Helena until his death in 1821.
To mark the 200th Anniversary of Napoleon’s death, we pay tribute to his final years spent on the island of St Helena and celebrate the tiny icon that came to symbolise his mighty Empire: the humble but powerful bee.
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FAQ
What is the difference between maximum mintage and issue limit?
Maximum mintage is the total number of individuals coins which will be struck, this includes coins presented is sets. The Issue limit refers to the number of coins which will be sold in the specific presentation.
What if the maximum mintage and issue limit is the same?
This means the coin will only be available in the presentation shown and will not be issued in any other way.
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Delivery & Returns
UK Standard Delivery: £9.95
See our delivery page for more information and overseas delivery. - Reviews
