Posts by The Westminster Collection
The New UK Rarest 50p Coin – The Salmon 50p
The UK’s coin collecting community is buzzing with excitement following the announcement that the Salmon 50p has officially become the rarest 50p in circulation. This new status is due to its incredibly low mintage figures, making it a highly sought-after coin for collectors across the country.
The Salmon 50p – The New King of Rarity
The Salmon 50p has just dethroned the famous Kew Gardens 50p as the UK’s rarest 50p in circulation! It was revealed that only 200,000 of these coins entered circulation last year—an unprecedented low, marking it as the lowest mintage figure of any UK circulating coin. This rarity makes the Salmon 50p a highly prized addition to any collection, and it’s already generating significant demand among collectors.
The Solution – The UK Coinage Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Set
With the chance of finding this coin in your change being extremely slim, to guarantee owning the UK Brilliant Uncirculated Salmon 50p coin is through the UK Coinage Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Set. Here’s why this set is an essential purchase for collectors:
- Guaranteed Inclusion of the Salmon 50p: The BU set includes the UK Brilliant Uncirculated Salmon 50p coin without the uncertainty of hunting for it in circulation.
- Pristine Brilliant Uncirculated Quality: Each coin is struck to the highest Brilliant Uncirculated standard, ensuring that your Salmon 50p and the other coins in the set are presented in flawless, mint condition—free from any circulation marks.
- Full Range of 2023 Coinage: Alongside the Salmon 50p, the set includes the complete lineup of 2023 coin designs, giving collectors a comprehensive and beautifully presented snapshot of this year’s UK coinage.
- Collector’s Packaging: Housed in an official display pack, the set is designed for both protection and presentation, making it an ideal showcase piece or a perfect gift for fellow collectors.
Why the BU Set is the Ultimate Way to Collect
Given that only 200,000 Salmon 50p coins are in circulation, the likelihood of coming across one is extremely low. For collectors who value both rarity and condition, the UK Coinage BU Set provides the ultimate solution, allowing you to own the Brilliant Uncirculated version of this coin in pristine form.
Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your BU Set Today
To ensure that the Brilliant Uncirculated Salmon 50p coin becomes a part of your collection, secure the UK Coinage BU Set now.
>>> You can explore the full details and place your order here. <<<
Revealed: The UK Sovereign’s Biggest Transformation Yet
What’s changing, why it matters, and what you need to know…
The 2025 Sovereign has finally been revealed and Britain’s flagship gold coin is entering a ground breaking new chapter, bringing the most significant changes in recent history.
First is the announcement that 2025 will be the last ever Sovereign issue struck in the iconic rose-gold alloy, marking the end of an era for one of Britain’s most treasured coins.
From 2026 onwards, collectors will see a new yellow-gold alloy take its place. This change represents a new era for the UK Sovereign, ensuring that the 2025 coin will be highly sought after as the last of its kind.
Here’s how you can expect the Sovereign’s appearance to change:
A Silver Sovereign shocks the collecting world
Perhaps the biggest shock, in a move that nobody saw coming, The Royal Mint has also revealed the first-ever UK Silver Sovereign.
This unprecedented addition to the Sovereign family has already caused a stir among collectors. Silver Sovereigns are set to become a collector’s must-have, offering a new and exciting way to own a piece of numismatic history.
The Return of the Shield Design
As if these changes weren’t exciting enough, The Royal Mint has also introduced a brand-new design on the Gold Proof Sovereign’s reverse. For the first time in over two decades, the 2025 Sovereign will feature a Shield design, paying tribute to 200 years since the Shield first appeared on a Sovereign in 1825, under the reign of King George IV.
The last time we saw a proper Shield design on a Sovereign was in 2002, in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. That edition was a phenomenon, with all 20,500 coins selling out and becoming one of the most coveted Sovereigns of the modern era.
With an edition limit of just 5,000 for the 2025 Shield Sovereign, we’re expecting a collector rush like we haven’t seen in years.
Key details for collectors
Here’s the information we have right now on the 2025 Proof Sovereign range:
| Coin | Edition Limit |
|---|---|
| The Sovereign (Shield Design) | 5,000 |
| The Sovereign 3-Coin Set (Shield Design) | 650 |
| The Piedfort Sovereign (Shield Design) | 1,250 |
| The Sovereign (George & the Dragon Design) | 2,025 |
| The Silver Sovereign (George & the Dragon Design) | 50,000 |
The Sovereigns will go on sale soon. Quick sell-outs are expected across the range.
Discovering the Iconic Penny Red: A Piece of British History
Few stamps hold as much historical significance and charm as the Penny Red. First issued in 1841, the Penny Red succeeded the world-famous Penny Black, taking its place as the United Kingdom’s standard postage stamp for over three decades. With its distinct red hue and intricate design featuring the effigy of Queen Victoria, the Penny Red became an enduring symbol of Britain’s postal heritage.
The Problem with the Penny Black
Shortly after the Penny Black’s release in 1840, postal officials realised that people could remove the red cancellation marks using water or chemicals, leading to stamp reuse. To solve this, the Rainbow Trials were conducted, testing various inks to find one that couldn’t be removed without damaging the stamp. Black ink proved most effective, but it couldn’t be used on the black background of the Penny Black.
As a result, in 1841, the Penny Black was replaced with the Penny Red, while cancellation marks were changed to black to make them more visible.
While the Penny Red design mirrored its predecessor, the shift to red ink gave it a unique identity. It remained imperforate during its initial release, meaning stamps had to be cut manually from sheets — a detail that makes these early versions particularly sought after by collectors.
The Evolution of British Stamps
During its long tenure, the Penny Red saw several variations, from perforations being introduced in 1854 to changes in the way it was printed and watermarked. It was retired in 1879, and many collectors marvel at the enduring nature of this modest yet historically significant stamp.
For philatelists and history lovers alike, owning a Penny Red offers a tangible connection to the early days of modern postage.
An Exclusive Opportunity: The 1841 Imperforate Penny Red and Victorian Threepence Set
For those looking to own a true piece of British heritage, we are proud to offer the 1841 Imperforate 1d Penny Red and Victorian Threepence Set. This stunning duo combines two Victorian-era icons: the Penny Red and the highly collectable Victorian Threepence coin.
Your Silver coin features the popular ‘Young Head’ portrait by William Wyon – Queen Victoria’s first for coinage.
The 1841 Penny Red in this set hails from the early imperforate editions, offering a true snapshot of philatelic history. Paired with a Victorian Threepence — a coin minted during Queen Victoria’s reign — this collection is an exclusive opportunity to hold two pieces of Victorian legacy in your hands.
Perfect for collectors and history enthusiasts, this set is beautifully presented and makes for a unique gift or addition to any collection. As with all historical items, these pieces are in limited supply, so don’t miss your chance to own a piece of British history.