Chard's Coin Predictions for 2017

200th Anniversary of the Modern Sovereign

This is probably Chard's first choice - well, it should be, we know all about sovereigns, from George III to Elizabeth II and every monarch in between.

In 1817, a huge shortage of coins instigated a complete reform of British coinage. The first modern sovereign was introduced for circulation as a one pound coin and has become Britain's - and possibly the world's most famous gold coin. The 1817 sovereign was the first coin to bear the classic engraving of St George and Dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci set within a wide garter with the inscription HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE which is the motto of The Order of the Garter; a noble and chivalrous order which is affiliated to the patron saint of England, St George. Struck in 22 carat, the specifications of the sovereign have remained consistent since it was first issued.

The sovereign is a favourite with collectors and investors alike. We're sure that 2017 will be commemorated with a new sovereign design, quite possibly a modern version of the original 1817 George III sovereign. Maybe the half sovereign will have a modernised shield back design similar to the 1817 half sovereign. In 1989, a 500th Anniversary sovereign based on the original hammered gold sovereign was issued, this has become a firm favourite with coin collectors. We're sure that the 2017 sovereign will be one to invest in as we have no doubt it will be highly sought after in the future.

300th Anniversary of the First Ballet Performance in England

The Loves of Mars and Venus was the first ballet to be performed in England. Premiered at the Drury Lane Theatre, this ballet was accompanied by singing, drama and pantomime. Ballet is experiencing a popularity resurgence with both girls and boys, if produced, this would make a great present. 

100th Anniversary of the Formation of the Women's Land Army WWI 

This would make a great subject in the series of two pound coins commemorating the First World War. A celebration of the war effort that women made in both the First and Second World Wars when female civilians volunteered for agricultural work to replace the men who had enlisted for military duties. Many great-grandmothers and grandmothers will have played a part in keeping the nation supplied with food during wartime. The Land Girls deserve to be recognised. 

20th Anniversary of Princess Diana's Death

The People's Princess still has a place in many people's hearts and it is surprising to hear how many people recall what they were doing when they heard the news about Princess Diana's Death. We find coins bearing Diana to be highly sought after by collectors. The same cannot be said about coins with both Prince Charles and Princess Diana, funny that. We are sure that a coin in memory of Diana would be well received and predict that this will probably be issued by one of the Channel Islands.

125th Anniversary of the Birth of J.R.R. Tolkien

Would you like to see the birth of the author of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings marked with a coin? J.R.R. Tolkien's books are firm favourites with both old and young readers. New Zealand issued coins to celebrate the filming of the triology in 2003, maybe Britain will follow in 2017?

125th Anniversary of the Death of Sir George Biddell Airy

We can picture a coin honouring the Astronomer Royal, Sir George Biddell Airy who ascertained the site of the prime meridian being Greenwich. This resulted in Greenwich Mean Time which is referred to by millions all over the world when setting the time. 

15th Anniversary of the Launch of the Euro

In 2002, the Euro was adopted as the official coinage of twelve countries of the European Economic Commumity, more recently known as the European Union. Nineteen member states now have the Euro as their currency. Whilst the United Kingdom heads towards Brexit, we have no doubt there will be a celebration of the Euro. They might as well, as we have serious doubts about how long the Euro can be propped up.  

70 Years Since We Stopped Putting Silver in British Coins

It will be seventy years since we stopped using silver in British coins. UK silver coins pre 1947 such as the half-crown, florin, shilling, and sixpence contained 0.500 fineness. From 1947 they were reduced to being produced in cupro-nickel. Maybe we'll see some silver coins in our change in 2017.

Here are a few more events and anniversaries that may be honoured:

• 75th Anniversary of the Birth of Stephen Hawking
• 20 years since the first release of J K Rowling's Harry Potter book
• 50 years since the first Heart Transplant 
• 50th Anniversary of the First ATM Machine
• 200th Anninversary of the Opening of Waterloo Bridge
• 200th Anniversary of the Death of Jane Austen
• 135th Anniversary of the Birth of AA Milne – Winne the Pooh
• 185th Anniversary of the Birth of Lewis Carroll - Alice in Wonderland
• 400th Anniversary of the Death of Pocahontas
• 300th Anniversary of the Triple Alliance between Britain, France and the Dutch Republic

We can see Austria celebrating the 300th Anniversary of Maria Theresa’s birth and the United States of America commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the birth of their beloved John F Kennedy.

Have we missed any other special events or anniversaries out? Let us know what you think.