War poem In Flanders Fields inspires Remembrance Day coin

A famous war poem was the inspiration for the 2017 Remembrance Day coin.

Royal Mint graphic designer Stephen Taylor was inspired by John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields in creating the commemorative £5 coin.

A donation from every purchase will go to Imperial War Museums.

Mr Taylor said: “I started my research by looking at words and symbols that are connected with Armistice Day, but realising that the poppy is by far the most synonymous with remembrance and the traditions that surround it, that became my focus.

“I chose natural poppies with a realistic, wildflower quality, echoing the flowers John McCrae would have seen growing when he wrote the poem, In Flanders Fields.

“It’s a poignant reminder of the brave men and women who have lost their lives or been injured in conflicts past and present, enabling new life to grow from their sacrifice.”