Behind Enemy Lines Gulf War Collection comprising Gold Sover...

Hammer

£270

Behind Enemy Lines Gulf War Collection comprising Gold Sovereign and 2 x medals - a number of Gold Sovereigns were issued to British military personnel taking part in Operation GRANBY as part of the Coalition Forces during the Gulf War 17 January to 26 February 1991. Sovereigns were provided by the Ministry of Defence and carried by any servicemen who, it was thought, might find themselves isolated and in need of bargaining power if confronted by unfriendly forces.
Several sovereigns were used during the War, mainly by Royal Air Force crews shot down over enemy territory, but all the uncaptured coins were returned to the Ministry of Defence at the conclusion of the conflict, having served their purpose.
The Ministry of Defence confirms that this Sovereign is one of the 16,289 pieces returned during the Gulf war by military personnel on completion of their mission into enemy territory certificate signed by General Sir Peter de la Billier and housed in Royal Mint presentation case, the first we have seen, scarce