First World War centenary, limited edition No 040 of 100

A 9ct gold proof coin, commemorating the First World War centenary, limited edition No 040 of 100, in a presentation case, issued by Numisproof, with a certificate, 50mm diameter, 1oz of 9ct gold.

Obverse: Numisproof Coat of Arms

Reversae: First World War painting of a soldier in a war zone.

2014 marks 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War.

A global conflict on an unprecedented scale, the war started on 28th July 1914 when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and centred around two opposing alliances consisting of the Allies, including the British Empire, France and the Russian Empire and the central powers of Germany and Austria - Hungary.

Britain declared war against Germany on the 4th of August 1914, which sparked a national recruitment drive for volunteers to fight for their country.

Britain and France were forced to contend with lines of well-constructed German entrenchments forming a defensive line from Lorraine to Belgium to protect occupied territories.

As a result, British and French forces took an offensive stance and constructed less established trenches.

With several attempts to break through German lines in a series of battles, the conflict was costly and largely ineffective yet there were significant advances in technology and tanks were used for the first time by the British in September 1916.

In 1917, the United States joined the war on the Allied side although their troops did not begin fighting until Spring 1918.

Finally, on 11th November 1919, an armistice with Germany was signed, which resulted in victory for the |Allies.

Ultimately, the British Empire tragically lost 1 million soldiers during the Great War contributing to an overall total loss of 10 million soldiers.

The specially commissioned hand painting featured on NumisProof is the work of artist, Timothy O'Brien, as a tribute to the many soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Struck in 1 oz 375/1000 gold, featured on the reverse is the NumisProof ' hallmark' element comprising the NP punch - mark, the Crown representing Britain's royal heritage and the Year mark ' XIV ' confirming the year of striking as 2014.

The obverse is the heraldic design featured on all traditional NumisProof issues.