Posts by Jenna Brewer
Celebrate 75 years of our NHS with The Royal Mint’s BRAND-NEW 50p coin range!
2023 marks the 75th anniversary of Britain’s National Health Service. And today, we celebrate the pivotal role that the NHS has played in our lives for decades with a brand-new coin range.
But first, let’s take a look back at the service which touches the lives of millions every day…
Britain, 1948
The National Health Service was founded in 1948 and was the first universal health system to be available to all, completely free of charge.
The Minister of Health at the time, Aneurin Bevan, introduced the service to the British people who had previously been unable to afford medical bills and had only ever known insurance-based schemes to cover the cost of healthcare.
But, the NHS offered healthcare to all for not a single penny, and revolutionised medial treatment as the people of Britain knew it…
Establishing the NHS
Since 1948, the NHS has grown into an incredible service, from Britain’s first heart transplant in 1958 to Europe’s first liver transplant in 1968.
Renowned for their large-scale vaccination programmes, the NHS protected children from whooping cough, measles and tuberculosis – and in 1999, the meningitis C vaccine was offered nationally as a global first.
The NHS has delivered huge advances in health care – not only have they carried out revolutionary liver, heart and lung transplants, but they were also the first health service in the world to begin Covid-19 vaccinations. They continue to strive to pioneer new treatments and technologies, such as bionic eyes and the world’s first rapid whole-genome sequencing service.
And following the shocking impact that Covid-19 had on our National Health Service, now is the perfect time to offer gratitude for decades of selfless, tireless and relentless work.
A Sentimental 50p
Therefore, to not only pay tribute to the 75th anniversary of the NHS, but to also offer appreciation for their care, compassion and devotion throughout the years, The Royal Mint have issued a new coin range.
Available in Brilliant Uncirculated Quality, Silver Proof and Gold Proof, your 50p coin features a design that showcases words of appreciation for our NHS workers, both past and present.
Breaking barriers on copper coins: The 2023 Sparta High-Relief Coin
Watch my video to witness a coin with an extraordinary double-sided high-relief Proof finish!
Unlike traditional minting where only one side of the coin is stamped, the 2023 Sparta 50g Copper Coin has been crafted using Smartminting technology – this allows for a three-dimensional design to be achieved on both sides of the coin, resulting in a stunning, proof-like finish…
This technology is particularly groundbreaking when applied to copper coins, which have traditionally been difficult to mint with high relief due to the softness of the metal.
Due to the risk of damaging the copper during the minting process, the coins have historically been restricted to flat or low-relief designs. However, smartminting has broken through these barriers and has made it possible to achieve unprecedented relief levels.
One of the most impressive aspects of smartminting on copper coins is the ability to achieve a high-relief, proof-like finish on BOTH sides…
This is a rare feat – most copper coins that have been made high-relief will have a proof finish on one side and a plain or textured background on the other. Smartminting has made it possible to achieve a uniform, high-relief, proof-like finish on both sides of the coin, resulting in a stunning piece of art that truly captures the beauty and detail of the design.
Of course, with such advanced technology comes a higher level of rarity and exclusivity. Smartminting on copper is still a relatively new and expensive process, making coins minted using this technique much rarer than traditional copper coins.
In fact, many smartminted copper coins are issued in limited quantities. This 2023 Sparta 50g Copper Coin is no exception – JUST 5,000 are available worldwide.
The coin’s intricate design and extraordinary high relief are a reflection of the Spartans’ attention to detail and their pursuit of perfection in all areas of life. A testament to the innovative spirit that drove the Spartans to greatness, it’s the perfect design to experience the power and strength of one of the most famous civilisations of all time.
With such a small quantity issued worldwide, this is a highly exclusive collector’s item and has proven difficult to source for our Westminster collectors. However, we have managed to secure a limited allocation for those who can act the fastest.
A closer look at this unique Coronation issue – struck on the ACTUAL Coronation Day!
On Saturday, we spent the day with the crowds at the Mall seeing the Royal Family on the balcony and waving our Union Jacks alongside thousands of others!
Even in the rain, the atmosphere was amazing. Union Jacks everywhere, cheering crowds, and more bunting than we’ve ever seen in our lives. It was truly British Royal pageantry at its splendid best.
What an event it was – the first King our great country has crowned for 86 years.
We hope you enjoyed the Coronation, wherever you were watching and whatever you were doing.
But whilst we were enjoying the festivities, a small group of people were hard at work striking an exclusive set of Coronation Silver Proof Commemoratives.
In fact, this was happening just a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey where the King was being crowned.
And this prestigious set is really remarkable.
Considering most of the country shut down to celebrate, it’s a unique piece of memorabilia which in turn is strictly limited and ever so collectable.
We’ve already seen multiple sell outs across the Coronation range, but you may still have an opportunity to add this set to your collection if you act now!
Here are the three key points that make this set so special:
1: It’s a set of three 1oz Silver Proof Commemoratives that feature the Official Royal Coat of Arms of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla, alongside a stunning dual portrait of the new monarchs.
2: Each medal was struck on the Official Coronation date – 6th May 2023 – meaning that the set will forever be linked to this important moment in history.
And most importantly…
3: Only 350 sets are available. 350 simply won’t be enough! Since the Coronation date was announced, demand for commemoratives has been sky-high and it shows no sign of slowing down.
You can secure your Coronation Silver Proof Commemoratives set completely risk free for just £32.50 here. And importantly, you won’t pay a thing until your set has been despatched to you. But if you don’t act now, we wouldn’t be surprised if they’re all completely allocated before the general release!