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Battle Of Hastings 1066 50p Coin

Hey there, history buffs and coin enthusiasts! Let's dive into the fascinating tale of the Battle of Hastings 1066 50p, shall we? Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's travel back in time to 1066, when things got a bit... hairy in England.

1066 and All That

So, picture this: it's 1066, and the English throne is up for grabs. King Edward the Confessor, who was a bit like the ultimate game of musical chairs, hadn't named an heir. Cue the drama!

We've got three contenders: Harold Godwinson, the Earl of Wessex; William, Duke of Normandy (who'd been promised the throne, or so he claimed); and Harald Hardrada, King of Norway (because why not?). It's like the world's most deadly game of thrones, and we're all in for a treat.

Enter the Normans

Now, William, our Norman friend, wasn't too chuffed about Harold sitting pretty on the English throne. He'd been promised it, after all. So, he rounded up an army, hopped on a boat, and sailed across the Channel. It was like the original 'Norman Invasion' reality show.

Harold, meanwhile, was like, "Oh, hello there, William. Fancy meeting you here. I've got an army too, you know." And thus, the stage was set for the Battle of Hastings.

The Big Showdown

On the 14th of October, 1066, the two armies faced off at Senlac Hill, near the present-day town of Battle in East Sussex. It was like the Super Bowl of medieval battles.

EXTREMELY RARE 1066 Battle of Hastings 50p coin. This Is worth £63,000EXTREMELY RARE 1066 Battle of Hastings 50p coin. This Is worth £63,000

Harold's English army was a mix of shield-wielding warriors and archers, while William's Normans had cavalry, archers, and even some crossbowmen. It was a battle of brains and brawn, and it was brutal.

Long story short, Harold got an arrow in the eye (ouch!), and the English army was defeated. William became king, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Coin of the Realm

Fast forward to 2016, and the Royal Mint decided it was high time we commemorated this epic battle. And so, the Battle of Hastings 50p was born!

The coin features a stunning design by John Bergdahl, showing King Harold with an arrow lodged in his eye (double ouch!), and the words "1066 Battle of Hastings." It's a real piece of history in your pocket.

2019 Battle of Hastings 50p Coin | Romiley Coins2019 Battle of Hastings 50p Coin | Romiley Coins

Why We Love It

This coin is more than just 50p. It's a symbol of a pivotal moment in British history. It's a reminder of the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of a good old-fashioned drama. And, let's face it, it's pretty darn cool to have a coin with a bit of gore on it.

So, next time you find one in your change, take a moment to appreciate the history behind it. And remember, if you ever find yourself in a battle, maybe don't stand in front of the archers.

Smile, You're Holding History!

And there you have it, folks! The Battle of Hastings 1066 50p coin is more than just a bit of change. It's a time capsule, a story, a piece of history. So, the next time you're rummaging through your pockets, keep an eye out for it. You never know when you might strike historical gold!

Until next time, happy collecting, and remember: history is cool. Really, really cool.