Introducing the 2025 Royal Residences 50p Collection
Following in the footsteps of the sell-out Platinum Jubilee and Coronation 50p collections, a brand-new release is set to captivate collectors and Royal enthusiasts alike. The latest instalment in the sought-after Royalty 50p programme shines a spotlight on five historic Royal Residences—places that have witnessed some of the most defining moments in British history.
Honouring 200 Years of Buckingham Palace
This exciting new collection comes at a particularly special time, marking 200 years since the transformation of Buckingham House into the world-famous Buckingham Palace we know today. To commemorate this milestone, the 2025 Royal Residences 50p Collection has been officially authorised for release by King Charles III and Palace Authorities.
Steeped in tradition and grandeur, the Royal Residences have been the backdrop for everything from royal births and weddings to state occasions and coronations. Each residence carries with it a rich history, offering a glimpse into the personal and public lives of the Royal Family.
The Five Iconic 50p Coins featuring Royal Residences
This highly anticipated collection celebrates five historic Royal Residences, each with a unique connection to the British Monarchy:
Buckingham Palace
Attracts over 500,000 visitors each year.
The official London residence of King Charles III and the administrative headquarters of the Monarchy.
Buckingham House
This one-time modest house evolved into one of the most iconic palaces in the world.
The original building that lay at the heart of Buckingham Palace before its grand transformation in 1825.
Castle of Mey
Now visited annually by King Charles III and Queen Camilla each July.
Restored by The Queen Mother in the 1950s, this Scottish castle remains a cherished Royal retreat.
Clarence House
Previously home to The Queen Mother for nearly 50 years.
The London residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla since 2003.
Kensington Palace
Today, it remains the London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
A historic residence that has been home to generations of the Royal Family.
Exclusive One-Year-Only Privy Mark
Collectors will be particularly excited about the exclusive design details incorporated into this collection. The Buckingham Palace and Buckingham House 50p coins will feature a one-year-only “200” Privy Mark, making them truly unique additions to any collection.
Secure Your Royal Residences 50p collection
The 2025 Royal Residences 50p Collection is available in a variety of specifications to suit every collector. Given the popularity of previous Royal 50p collections, demand for these coins is expected to be exceptionally high.
Click below to explore the full range and secure your piece of Royal history today!
Recycled Silver Sixpences Make History at the Trial of the Pyx
Tuesday 11 February 2025: A centuries-old tradition met modern sustainability as The Royal Mint submitted its latest coinage for testing at the 776-year-old Trial of the Pyx—one of the UK’s most historic judicial ceremonies. Held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London since 1871, the Trial ensures the nation’s coinage meets strict standards of precision, accuracy, and craftsmanship.
Credit: Matt Brown, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This year’s Trial featured a groundbreaking submission: sixpences made from silver recovered from expired medical and industrial X-ray films. In a historic first, these innovative coins—released last year as part of The Royal Mint’s commitment to sustainability—will now undergo rigorous testing by the London Assay Office.
The recycled silver sixpences were originally issued to mark the revival of ‘Stir Up Sunday,’ a Victorian tradition where families would add a silver sixpence to their Christmas pudding mix for good luck. Their inclusion in the Trial of the Pyx signals not only their significance in British numismatics but also the ongoing efforts to merge heritage with sustainability.
In total, The Royal Mint has submitted 6,432 coins to this year’s Trial, including gold bullion Sovereigns, 24ct Britannias, and a variety of collectable designs. Among the standout pieces are commemorative coins celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Gruffalo’s Child, additions to the ever-popular Harry Potter and Star Wars collections, and a stunning trio of coins inspired by the legend of Robin Hood.
As per tradition, the coins will be meticulously examined by an independent jury composed of members of the Goldsmiths’ Company—a role they have upheld since 1327. The process involves expert craftsmanship assessment as well as scientific analysis conducted by the London Assay Office. The Trial is overseen by the King’s Remembrancer, Senior Master Jeremy David Cook of the King’s Bench Division of the High Court, who will later deliver the official verdict in May.
What is the Trial of the Pyx?
The Trial of the Pyx is one of the oldest judicial processes in the United Kingdom, dating back to at least 1248. Its primary purpose is to ensure that coins produced by The Royal Mint meet the required standards of weight, composition, and quality. The term “Pyx” refers to the chests in which the coins are stored before testing. The trial is conducted at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, where a selection of newly minted coins is scrutinised by an independent jury, composed of members of the Goldsmiths’ Company. The process involves both visual inspection and scientific analysis by the London Assay Office. The King’s Remembrancer, a senior judge, oversees the proceedings and delivers the final verdict once testing is complete.
With tradition and sustainability now working hand in hand, the legacy of British coinage continues to evolve in remarkable ways.
The Rarest £1 Coins
Below are the ten rarest £1 coins that have entered circulation.
Ever wondered if the humble £1 coin rattling around in your pocket is worth more than its face value? While the old round pound was officially replaced by the 12-sided £1 coin in 2017, millions of the original design are still out there—and some are a rare find indeed.
In fact, some of the rarest £1 coins have been known to fetch over ten times their face value. So, if you’re sitting on a stash of old pound coins, now might be the time to check if you have one of these hidden gems.
1. 2011 Edinburgh £1
Mintage: 935,000
Topping the list as the rarest £1 coin in circulation, the 2011 Edinburgh £1 was part of a series celebrating the UK’s capital cities. It remains the only £1 coin with a mintage below one million, making it a sought-after piece among collectors.
If you’re lucky enough to find one, it has been known to sell for over ten times its face value!
2. 2011 Cardiff (Wales) £1
Mintage: 1,615,000
Also part of the capital cities series, the Cardiff £1 coin is slightly less rare than the Edinburgh version, with 1.6 million in circulation. Designed by Stuart Devlin, the coin features the Coat of Arms of Cardiff, representing Wales.
While not as valuable as the Edinburgh coin, it has fetched over £11 online.
3. 2010 London City £1
Mintage: 2,635,000
Representing England’s capital, the London City £1 features the badge of London among the four capital city emblems. With around 2.6 million in circulation, it’s not as scarce as the top two coins, but collectors still seek it out.
4. 2014 Thistle & Bluebell £1
Mintage: 5,185,000
Designed to represent Scotland, this coin showcases a thistle and bluebell—two of the nation’s most iconic floral emblems. There are over 5.1 million of these in circulation, which keeps its value modest.
5. 2013 Daffodil & Leek £1
Mintage: 5,270,000
Released as part of the floral series in 2013, the Daffodil & Leek £1 pays tribute to Wales. Both symbols are deeply connected to Welsh history and identity.
6. 2013 Rose & Oak £1
Mintage: 5,270,000
The Rose & Oak £1 was England’s contribution to the 2013 floral series. Featuring the traditional symbols of English heritage, this coin remains one of the rarest in circulation.
7. 2014 Flax & Shamrock £1
Mintage: 5,780,000
Designed to represent Northern Ireland, the Flax & Shamrock £1 continues the tradition of pairing national floral symbols. While over 5.7 million were minted, its resale value remains low.
8. 2010 Belfast £1
Mintage: 6,205,000
Another entry in the capital cities series, the Belfast £1 has over 6.2 million coins still in circulation. It’s the eighth rarest in the UK but not highly valuable in the collectors’ market.
9. 1988 Crowned Shield £1
Mintage: 7,118,825
Depicting the Royal Arms topped with the Crown of St. Edward, the 1988 Crowned Shield £1 is one of the oldest and rarest £1 coins still in circulation.
With a mintage of 7.1 million, it’s not the scarcest coin, but collectors are still on the hunt for one.
10. 2023 King Charles III Bee £1
Mintage: 10,030,000
The first £1 coin featuring King Charles III was issued in 2023, showcasing a unique honeybee design. While still relatively new, its low mintage numbers suggest it could become a rarity in the future.
Though its current resale value isn’t well established, collectors are already keeping a close eye on it, expecting prices to rise as fewer remain in circulation.
Available as part of the 2023 Official BU Presentation Pack in official collector packaging – including a special first year of issue privy mark.
Have you found a rare £1 coin? Let us know in the comments!
While not every rare £1 coin will make you rich, some of these designs can fetch significantly more than their original value—especially the Edinburgh £1 and Cardiff £1.
So next time you check your change, keep an eye out for these hidden treasures. You never know, you might just have a mini windfall sitting in your coin jar!