1 Crown - Elizabeth II Sir Douglas Bader, Gold Proof 9ct

Douglas Bader lost both legs in a 1931 flying accident and was medically discharged from the RAF, only to be reinstated when war broke out in 1939. He went on to command 242 Squadron during the Battle of Britain and became one of the most publicly recognized fighter aces of the conflict. He was captured in 1941 after a mid-air collision over France — the Germans reportedly allowed the British to drop him a replacement prosthetic leg, though they confiscated it shortly after when he used it in an escape attempt.

The Isle of Man had a particular affinity for commemorative crown issues in 9ct gold during this period, producing them in limited proof runs aimed squarely at the collector market rather than circulation.