1918 Back from the Brink Gold Proof Coin

Tear-filled reunions took place as soldiers, nurses and all those involved in the war were slowly allowed to come home. Bit by bit, families were reunited and loved ones were able to receive something more than letters.

Highlights

• Minted from 0.9999 gold
• Very limited worldwide mintage of 500
• Coin comes in a pressed metal tin, made to resemble those gifted to soldiers in World War I by HRH Princess Mary at Christmas
• Collectable coin commemorating New Zealand's involvement in the First World War in 1918.

Design

While the war was finally over, the next immediate and immense task was getting everyone home. Thousands upon thousands of people all wanted and needed to get back to their friends and families, and New Zealand was no different. Due to the wide dispersion of troops, there was no easy way to bring everybody home and people began arriving in dribs and drabs. When the Armistice was signed, around 30,000 had already returned home or were on their way due to various reasons such as injury or long service. This still left around 50,000 needing to be brought back to the welcoming shores of New Zealand.

In direct contrast to the first coin in this five-year series, which showed families being torn apart as they farewelled, in this 0.25oz gold proof coin we see loved ones embracing and tears of joy at having the soldiers returned safely. A large ship in the background gives an inkling as to how people were returning home after their long stays abroad.

Check out the full range of gold coins here.