4768) "Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, known as the Great Exhibition of 1851", (or the first World Exposition in history", hosted in London), in Hyde Park, London, Republic of Malta: "175th Anniversary Milestone (1851-2026)": A 5 (Five) Euro Proof & Colour Coin issued by the Republic of Malta minted by the Mint of Poland at their Warsaw facilities: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2026:
The Header/Banner showcases an exceptional Silver Proof Coin which Marks 175th Anniversary of The Great Exhibition which took place at "The Crystal Palace".
The history:
- It has been 175 years since the Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, known as the Great Exhibition of 1851, or the first World Exposition in history which was hosted in London.
- Organised by Prince Albert, the theme - "Industry of All Nations" was aimed at showcasing a positive view of the British Empire, to celebrate modern design and promote Britain as an industrial power.
- A royal commission was formed in 1850 to manage the logistics, finances and execution of the landmark event with Prince Albert providing the royal patronage, central vision and diplomacy required to secure official backing and international participation.
- Henry Cole continued to work alongside Prince Albert as the chief organiser and civil servant who handled the practical planning and promotion.
- A total of 25 countries agreed to take part, sending exhibits and curators which showcased every conceivable invention of the industrial age.
- The event’s unique venue, which became known as the "Crystal Palace", was originally conceived by Joseph Paxton as an immense iron-and-glass exhibition hall, and stood as the architectural centrepiece of the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London’s Hyde Park.
- Its modular construction of cast iron and glass marked a breakthrough in 19th-century engineering, creating one of the era’s most iconic and visionary structures. The massive iron and glass structure measured 563 metres or, 1850 feet long and contained over 300,000 panes of glass.
- Despite earlier fears, the Exhibition was an absolute triumph financially.
- By the time it closed after 141 days, it generated an enormous surplus of £186,437 which, adjusted for today’s inflation amounts to nearly £22 million today.
- The surplus funds prompted Prince Albert to leave a lasting legacy for the nation by purchasing land in South Kensington.
- This resulted in the founding of cultural institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and after the Prince’s death, the Royal Albert Hall dedicated in his memory.
- For decades it hosted music performances, scientific displays, public entertainments, and grand exhibitions.
-In 1936, a devastating late-night fire consumed the entire structure.
- The site today is known as the Crystal Palace Park, a public landscape that preserves fragments of its history, including terraces and foundations.
The Coin:
- The 5 (Five) Euro Silver Proof and Colour Coins have been minted by the Mint of Poland at their facilities in Warsaw on behalf of the Central Bank of Malta.
- Designed as a grand tribute to the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the iconic Crystal Palace, the depictions highlight symbols of progress, the industrial age and international exchange.
- The Reverse of the Five-Euro Silver Proof & Colour Coin depicts the monumental architecture of the Crystal Palace and the standing figures of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on the grounds of the exhibition park and in front of the edifice.
- Above the Crystal Palace in the background is a design that replicates the stained-glass work located above in the central entrance and is highlighted with aqua-blue tint.
- Just under the primary design is the commemorative text - "THE GREAT EXHIBITION HELD IN THE CRYSTAL PALACE IN 1851".
- The Obverse of the Five-Euro Silver Proof & Colour Coin features the Coat of Arms of Malta along with the denomination "5 EURO" placed below and onto the wide periphery surrounded with twelve stars representing the European Union.
Within the central design is the name of the issuing country - "MALTA" and the year of issue - "2026".
The specifications of this Coin are:
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Maximum Mintage
5 Euro .999 Silver 31.1 g. 38.6 mm. Proof & Colour 700 pieces
- Each coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom windowed case with illustrated slipcase and Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
- Each coin is also individually numbered on the flat edge which corresponds to the numbered Certificate of Authenticity COA).
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