The Cape Mint has released a truly innovative Break-it Brexit coin that allows the owner to “break” the coin in two (should they choose) along a literal fault line, signifying the Brexit event itself. The news of a successful Brexit vote shook the world in 2016 when 52% of the United Kingdom voted in favor of leaving the European Union. Since then, the parliament of the country has been trying to negotiate a plan for a separation that was acceptable for both parties involved. After some setbacks and the resignation of former Prime Minister Theresa May, Brexit day is finally here.
On January 31st, 2020, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. To Commemorate this historic uncoupling, the Cape Mint has released a truly innovative Break-it Brexit coin that allows the owner to “break” the coin in two (should they choose) along a literal fault line, signifying Brexit itself. After highlighting this exciting release, keep reading to learn more about Brexit itself and why it’s so important.
Truly Innovative Break-it Brexit Coin- A MCM Exclusive
To mark the final departure, the Cape Mint issued a unique Break-it Brexit coin that is actually legal tender in Liberia! Issued in both .999 fine silver and brass, the coin has a fissure in it that allows the holder to break it if they so choose (not that we necessarily recommend that), to visually symbolize the breaking of the United Kingdom with the European Union. The literal fissure line separates the two colorized parts of the coin, one of which has the Union Jack and the other of which has the flag of the European Union. “UNITED KINGDOM” and “EUROPEAN UNION” are inscribed along the rim on the respective flags, and the symbols of the British Pound and the Euro are juxtaposed next to the center of the coin.
The result is a colorful design that truly represents the tensions between both global powers. When one holds the coin, the tension is almost palpable. Just 3,000 silver and 10,000 brass pieces will be issued, and the coins will be released immediately upon Britain’s formal exit. Now you can not only can you own a piece of Brexit history, but on the very day the UK formally leaves the EU. ModernCoinMart is proud to be the exclusive distributor of this unique coin in the United States so we can bring this truly innovative coin to our dedicated customers.
If you’re a little confused about the significance of Brexit and why we are still talking about it, keep reading below!
What Exactly Is Brexit Anyway?
Post-WWII – A United Front
In 1945, the unconditional German surrender ended the Second World War to ravage Europe in less than half a century. Committed to avoiding any more such conflicts, European leaders sought to create social and cultural unity throughout the western half of the continent. Within a few years, it became clear that such unity would be impossible. Leaders then turned their attention to linking the economies of the continent. In 1951, the Treaty of Paris created the Coal and Steel Community, and six years later the Treaty of Rome formed the European Economic Community (EEC), which initially consisted of Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany.
Maastricht Treaty & Monetary Union
The EEC grew in the 1970s and 1980s, incorporating Denmark, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain. On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall came down, and two years later the Soviet Union dissolved. Both events led to the continued growth of the EU and created further tensions within it as the broader inclusion also meant greater differences among member nations.
In 1992, the Maastricht Treaty formed the European Monetary Union and established a single currency. That currency was first issued for circulation in 2002 when it replaced the national currencies of twelve member states. Britain and Denmark kept their own currencies, decisions that were early concrete signs of disunity within the European Union, a term that came about with the adoption of the treaty.
Lisbon Treaty
Early in the 21st century, leaders within Europe returned to the original ideas of those who sought European unity following the Second World War. They sought to unify Europe not simply economically but also socially and culturally. The Lisbon Treaty strengthened the central government of Europe, extending to it greater powers over cultural, judicial, and legal matters. Many citizens of the European Union member states opposed the treaty. Under the Irish Constitution, the country had to hold a vote on ratification of the treaty, and voters initially rejected the treaty. After gaining some concessions, the Irish government put the treaty to a second vote, which ratified it.
Disunity Amidst a Centralized European Government
While the governments of Europe enthusiastically supported these efforts to unify the continent, citizens in many countries, often referred to as “Euroskeptics,” opposed the expansion of powers of the European central government. They were (and still are) concerned about the expanding powers of the European government. Many of them viewed the European Union as undemocratic and unresponsive to the differences in culture, economy, language, and worldview of people in its many member states. They also saw the responsibilities and purviews of their own governments being removed from accountable bodies within their own countries and sent away to be handled by governments far removed from them, often with little representation from their nation, much less local communities.
One of the largest and most powerful Euroskeptic movements took place in Great Britain.
Substantial and dedicated minorities began pushing for the country to leave the European Union. At first, those pushing for this were viewed by the political establishment as backward and rather insignificant. In 2016, Euroskeptics threatened to cost the British Conservative Party its majority. Prime Minister David Cameron fulfilled a campaign promise when he called a referendum on the question of whether his country should remain in the European Union or leave it.
Brexit Vote-The Referendum
From the day the vote was called, most in Britain and throughout the world expected a strong, but ultimately unsuccessful Leave vote. Up until the election on June 23, polls showed that the British would remain in the EU. Voters shocked the world, though, when they voted by a 52-48% margin to Leave the European Union. Cameron, who encouraged voters to remain, announced his resignation the following day.
The Aftermath of the Brexit Vote
Since the vote, several delays took place as Theresa May, Cameron’s replacement, tried to negotiate a deal to leave that was acceptable both to the British Parliament and to the European Union. Deadlines for such a deal came and went without a successful negotiation. May resigned in 2019, giving way to Boris Johnson, who led the campaign to leave the European Union. Johnson called an early election in hopes of strengthening his majority in Parliament, which would allow him to get his own deal through. Johnson’s risky gambit proved successful, and Britain is set to leave the EU on January 31, 2020.
In Conclusion
While no one is certain what the future may hold, one thing is for certain, Brexit marks one of the most important moments in the history of the United Kingdom and the world order is about to shift. Now, you can commemorate this historic uncoupling with one of the most innovative coins we’ve seen in years. With a limited mintage and wide-global interest, you won’t want to delay. Check out these ModernCoinMart exclusive Break-It Brexit Silver Dollars and mark this moment in history in your collection today!
