101579 | GREAT BRITAIN. Corps of Royal Engineers engraved silver WWI Memento.

101579  |  GREAT BRITAIN & EGYPT. Corps of Royal Engineers engraved silver WWI Memento (25mm, 6.32 g, 12 h).

 

1917-H Egyptian 5 piastres, with engraving upon obverse: crowned Order of the Garter and badge bearing GVR (George V Rex) monogram; "ROYAL ENGINEER" on banner below. Edge: Reeded.

 

Cf. KM 318.2 (for host coin). Engraving & Host Coin: Choice Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

 

In the early-mid 20th century, during the depths of despair that were the world wars, engraved coin art in the vein of love tokens saw a great rise. Such forms of coin art, usually referred to in this context as "trench art," offered soldiers a brief chance at escapism through sentimental creativity.

 

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