2014 First World War King’s Shilling Daily Mail Medal

Description

Between 1914 and 1918 more than six million men from Britain and Ireland enlisted to serve in the First World War. Upon enlisting they received a King’s shilling – which was a day’s pay for a private. The expression “to take the King’s shilling” – dating back to the 18th century – meant that a man had agreed to serve as a soldier or sailor. To mark this momentous occasion the Daily Mail has produced this limited edition coin.