The Coronation That Never Was

Coronation souvenirs have long held a place in British collecting. With a few early exceptions, most remain affordable, which only adds to their charm. They are pieces of national pageantry made small enough to fit in the hand, the pocket, or the display case.

Among the most intriguing are souvenirs from the coronation that never happened. Edward VIII was due to be crowned on 12 May 1937, and manufacturers had already begun producing badges, pins and other commemorative pieces well in advance. When he abdicated in December 1936, plans were abruptly overturned, and the same date was used instead for the coronation of George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Many Edward VIII medals and coins were destroyed, but smaller items had already found their way into shops. These survived in quantity and were sold on at the time, often with the irresistible appeal of marking a royal ceremony that never took place. That strange twist of history has kept them popular ever since.

Yet it is often the George VI pieces that prove harder to find. Because the change happened so quickly, there was less time to design, produce and distribute souvenirs before the new coronation date. As a result, many George VI badges feel simpler or more hurried in style, but scarcity gives them a special collecting interest. Sometimes the badge made in a rush ends up winning the race.