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This coin, which marks the occasion of the 100th anniversary of WW1, is dedicated to the Sikhs of the Two World Wars. It has been especially, commissioned by Sikhpoint.com from the internationally recognized contemporary British artists, The Singh Twins. In their unique style of analytical, decorative and symbolic art, they have created a coin that […]

This coin, which marks the occasion of the 100th anniversary of WW1, is dedicated to the Sikhs of the Two World Wars.

It has been especially, commissioned by Sikhpoint.com from the internationally recognized contemporary British artists, The Singh Twins. In their unique style of analytical, decorative and symbolic art, they have created a coin that captures the essence of Sikh contribution to these important historical conflicts.

“British people are highly indebted and obliged to Sikhs for a long time. I know that within this century we needed their help twice and they did help us very well. As a result of their timely help, we are today able to live with hour, dignity and independent”. Sir Winston Churchill

The imagery on the obverse side of the coin recognizes the Sikhs’ reputation as fearless soldiers of the British Empire Army whose remarkable bravery (symbolized by the oak leaf and lion) earned them the honorific title, ‘Lions of the Great War’.

The lion in itself is also traditionally associated with the Sikh male surname Singh which is inscribed on the coin alongside the female Sikh surname Kaur in acknowledgement of the fact that both men and women played their part in the War effort.

Collectively, the tree, water and bird denote their contribution to the two Wars on land, sea and air. The bird, which is, specifically a swallow (the Chinese symbol of daring, danger and fidelity) carries added significance, as does the tree, which is the Indian symbol of protection.

The imagery on the reverse side of the coin focuses on the Khanda as the recognized emblem of the Sikh Religion and a motif, which became an important part of the Sikh Regimental insignia, identity and uniforms of the British Army.

Sikhs from India were largely recruited from the farming communities of Punjab in North India.

During WWI and WWII, the Sikhs fought alongside the Allied armies on land, air and sea on many crucial fronts across the globe from North and East Africa, Turkey, Germany and all theatres of the Western Front including France and Belgium (Flanders) during WWI, to France, Italy, the Middle East, Africa, South East Asia, and India during WWII.

~ Source: ethnicisland.com