SS Gairsoppa Britannia 2014 UK Quarter-Ounce Silver Coin by The Royal Mint

In 1941 the SS Gairsoppa was carrying much needed supplies to a Britain in the grip of the Second World War - including silver destined for The Royal Mint - when she was torpedoed. All but one of her crew perished. For 70 years she has lain below almost three miles of icy water, until she was discovered in 2011. Her precious cargo has now been recovered and delivered to The Royal Mint and they have finally struck coins bearing the 'queen of the seas', Britannia, in the ship's honour - just 20,000 coins will be available in this Limited Edition Presentation.

Each coin has been struck to bullion standard - fitting for a treasure reborn from the deep. The beautiful portrait of Britannia standing as Britain's guardian by Philip Nathan features on the coins, each with the ship's name as an edge inscription in a lasting tribute to Gairsoppa and her crew. This is a limited presentation of 20,000 coins, for of course only a small quantity of Gairsoppa's silver will ever be minted.