Sir Winston Churchill: An Inspirational Leader

Marking the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Sir Winston Churchill.

Most famous for leading Britain to victory in the Second World War, Sir Winston Churchill was a statesman, writer, orator and leader who became one of the most influential prime ministers in British history.

Born in Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on 30 November 1874, Churchill developed a fascination with the military from an early age and joined the cavalry in 1895, serving in the 4th (Queen’s Own) Hussars. His service in the military took him all over the world to countries such as Cuba, Afghanistan, Egypt and South Africa, where he simultaneously served as a part-time journalist.

Image credit: 4th Hussars, 1895 (BRDW 1/2/9) reproduced with permission of The Broadwater Collection © The Broadwater Collection

Churchill’s political career began in 1900 when he was elected Conservative MP for Oldham. He defected to the Liberal Party in 1904, holding a number of Cabinet positions, before returning to the Conservative Party in 1924, serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

In the wake of Neville Chamberlain’s resignation in 1940, Churchill succeeded him as the prime minister of an all-party coalition government. His leadership during the Second World War was vital for Britain and it was during this time he gave some of his most famous speeches, which helped galvanise the nation during a time of great hardship.

Paying Tribute to an Influential Leader

Created by Natasha Seaward, a graphic designer at The Royal Mint, the Sir Winston Churchill coin features a portrait of Churchill as a young man in 1895, garbed in the uniform of the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars.

In tribute to this anniversary, the coin’s legend reads ‘150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF WINSTON CHURCHILL’, whilst the date of his birth and passing are displayed in equal prominence either side of the portrait. The edge inscription, ‘PAVE THE WAY FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM’, is taken from a remark Churchill made in late 1953, whilst serving his second term as prime minister.

“Sir Winston Churchill is arguably one of the most influential prime ministers in British history; it is a privilege to have been selected to design a coin in his honour.

“Although rare for a statesperson, Winston Churchill has featured on UK coins several times before. Whilst he was well known for his influential speeches and his leadership during the Second World War, Churchill achieved many things prior to his time as prime minister that aren’t widely acknowledged. I wanted to portray a side of him less known to the public and therefore chose a portrait from his time serving in the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars.”

Natasha Seaward

The Sir Winston Churchill 2024 UK £2 coin will be available as part of the 2024 Annual Sets and may also feature in other sets and product formats in the future.