South Africa – The sinking of the Birkenhead – 125 years – NGC MS62 #577

South Africa – The sinking of the Birkenhead – 125 years – NGC MS62 #577

A true symbol of heroism and sacrifice, the Birkenhead medallion commemorates the legendary sinking of the troopship HMS Birkenhead off the coast of Gansbaai Cape in 1852. The medallion, minted by the South African Historical Mint in 1977, is 40 grams of 18 karat gold or 30 grams of pure gold and has a diameter of 38 mm and a thickness of 3.25 mm. The medallion was issued in high quality, with exquisite details of the scenes on the medal.

The Birkenhead medallion is a rare and highly desirable collectible, with only 5,000 pieces minted and the number 577 of them. The medallion is also evaluated by NGC MS62 to ensure its authenticity and quality.

The Birkenhead medallion was created to commemorate the 125th anniversary. Coined to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Birkenhead on February 26, 1852. The Birkenhead was a British troop ship bound for Algoa Bay with over 600 soldiers, officers and civilians on board. The ship crashed into a rock and began to sink rapidly. The disciplined behavior of the troops on board made the sinking legendary. The command “Stand fast!!! Women and children first” went down in maritime history.

The reverse of the Birkenhead medallion shows an excerpt from a painting by Thomas Hemy, depicting the sinking Birkenhead in the background with troops standing at attention on deck. The details of the painting are exquisite and the frosted background adds to the dramatic effect of the setting. The front of the medallion shows the lifeboats and flotsam around the wreck, which adds to the realism of the event.

The sinking of HMS Birkenhead is a symbol of heroism and self-sacrifice, and the Birkenhead medallion honors the bravery of those who perished on the ship.

The Birkenhead medallion was minted at the South African Historical Mint and is a valuable addition to any collection. Its rarity and historical significance make it a must-have for collectors of military and maritime memorabilia. The Birkenhead Medallion is a true testament to the heroism and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve in the British Armed Forces.