New Issues
The National Gallery: A Journey Through Art and Time
In the bustling heart of London, the National Gallery began its life in 1824, initially occupying the former townhouse of banker John Julius Angerstein at No.100 Pall Mall. The modest beginning—with just 38 paintings—was the spark for what would grow into one of the world’s most revered art institutions. In April 1824 the House of Commons agreed to pay £57,000 for the picture collection of the banker John Julius Angerstein. His 38 pictures were intended to form the core of a new national collection, for the enjoyment and education of all.
The Evolution of a Landmark
The National Gallery’s early days at No.100 Pall Mall weren’t exactly glamorous. It was small, stuffy, and constantly packed, making it a bit of an embarrassment compared to the grandeur of the Louvre in Paris. However, Agar Ellis, a trustee of the gallery, saw its location on Pall Mall as crucial, right in the heart of London’s hustle and bustle.
In 1832, construction started on a new building by William Wilkins, replacing the old Royal Mews in Charing Cross. Positioned between the affluent West End and less privileged areas to the east, its location was strategic. The idea was to make the collection accessible to people from all walks of life, prioritising social inclusion over concerns like city pollution or architectural flaws.
Even as the possibility of moving to South Kensington arose in the 1850s, the emphasis remained on making art available to everyone. As stated by the Parliamentary Commission of 1857, the purpose of the collection wasn’t just to display pictures, but to enrich the lives of the people, regardless of their social standing.
Today, the National Gallery is a vibrant hub for art lovers of all backgrounds. It’s diverse collection, ranging from iconic masterpieces to hidden gems, offers endless opportunities for exploration and inspiration. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and digital initiatives, the gallery provides a welcoming environment where everyone can engage with art.
Celebrating 200 Years of Art
In recognition of its 200th anniversary, the National Gallery is celebrated with a special coin designed by Edwina Ellis, known for her detailed engravings. The coin beautifully features the gallery at its center, surrounded by the inscription of the anniversary. This keepsake is not just a piece of metal but a symbol of the gallery’s enduring legacy, available in gold, silver, and uncirculated editions.
The edge of the coin bears the inscription ‘MAIORVM GLORIA POSTERIS LVMEN EST’, meaning “The glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants.” This phrase, inscribed in the gallery’s very architecture, encapsulates the essence of the National Gallery: a portal to the past and a beacon for the future.
Explore the whole National Gallery £2 range now by clicking here >>
NEW UK 50p – Add a touch of Harry Potter Magic to your collection.
The wizarding world has once again cast its enchanting spell over us with the release of a brand-new UK 50p coin by The Royal Mint. This isn’t just any coin, it’s a tribute to the magical adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and a celebration of the unbreakable bonds of friendship that define the beloved series.
Click on the points in the interactive image below to find out more about this brand new 50p coin range.
A Tribute to Friendship and Adventure
The Harry Potter series has captivated the hearts of millions around the globe, not just for its tales of magic and mystery, but for its powerful themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage. This has been masterfully captured on our UK coinage with one of the most iconic moments from the series—the challenge of the Winged Keys. This 50p coin commemorates the scene where our heroic trio, aboard broomsticks, navigate through a flock of winged keys to catch the one that will unlock the next step in their quest to thwart Lord Voldemort’s return to power.
A Masterpiece Remastered
Designed and remastered by Bella Biggs, a talented product designer at The Royal Mint, the coin features a stylised illustration of Harry Potter demonstrating his flying prowess as he attempts to catch a winged key. This design not only showcases the excitement and dynamic action of the series but also pays homage to the theme of friendship that runs throughout Harry’s journey.
A Collectible with a Twist
Available in various editions, including gold Proof, silver Proof, and Brilliant Uncirculated editions—with the silver Proof version featuring stunning colour printing—this coin is a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of magic to their collection. In an exciting twist, the Silver Proof 50p edition limit has been significantly reduced by almost 50% compared to the previous Harry Potter 50p coin, making it a rare and valuable find for collectors and fans alike.
Why You Need This Coin in Your Collection
This coin not only celebrates one of the most thrilling scenes from the Harry Potter series but also encapsulates the spirit of adventure and the enduring power of friendship. With its exquisite design and limited availability, the Harry Potter 50p coin is sure to be a treasured item in your collection for years to come.
Celebrating Galactic History: The Millennium Falcon Coin Launch
Written by Star Wars video presenter – Jonathan Patterson
I’m thrilled to unveil a ground-breaking UK coin series today, with today’s release celebrating the iconic Millennium Falcon struck for the first time on UK coins.
A Galactic Collection: The Four-Coin Series
Excitingly the Millennium Falcon 50p coin is just the start, it marks the beginning of an exciting collection that honours the most famous spacecraft from the Star Wars universe.
Us collectors, can expect to see detailed coins of the Galactic Empire’s Tie Fighter, the Rebel Alliance’s X-Wing, and the formidable Death Star II, each reflecting their legendary status within the saga.
The Millennium Falcon Coin: A Detailed Tribute
Today’s release, captures the essence of the beloved spacecraft with remarkable detail, as depicted in the original trilogy. This coin is not only a visual delight but also features a unique lenticular design, allowing for a dynamic image transition between the Rebel Alliance ‘Starbird’ logo and the Millennium Falcon. It’s a fitting homage to the ship known for its speed, agility, and representation of the Rebel Alliance’s indomitable spirit.
Exclusive Editions and Limited Availability
Available in Gold Proof, Silver Proof, and Brilliant Uncirculated editions, this launch marks the first time the Millennium Falcon has been featured on UK coins. The Silver Proof edition, in particular, is limited to a global issue of just 7,500 coins — 40% fewer than previous releases—meaning you’d better be quick to secure one.
As we embark on this galactic adventure with the Millennium Falcon and beyond, now is the perfect opportunity to add to your collection. With prices beginning at just £5.99 (+p&p), dive into the 2024 UK Millennium Falcon Coin collection today and seize your chance to own a piece of movie history.
>>> Click here to discover the brand new Millennium Falcon UK Coin Series <<<