Posts by The Westminster Collection
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.
Celebrate Batman Day with these Iconic Collectibles!
Every year on Saturday, 21st September, fans around the world unite to celebrate one of the most iconic superheroes of all time—Batman. Since his debut in 1939, the Dark Knight has captured the imaginations of comic book lovers, moviegoers, and collectors alike. Whether you’re drawn to his relentless pursuit of justice or his incredible rogues’ gallery, Batman has become a symbol of hope in the darkest corners of Gotham City.
This Batman Day, why not pay tribute to the Caped Crusader with stunning collectibles that will allow you to own a piece of his legacy? Read on to explore some remarkable Batman-themed treasures that will make your collection truly stand out.
Face of Gotham: Batman™ 1oz Silver Coin
Imagine owning a piece of Gotham’s hero, exquisitely captured in silver. The Face of Gotham: Batman™ 1oz Silver Coin brings the Dark Knight to life in a way no ordinary coin could. Struck from .999 fine silver, this unique coin has been shaped and colored to replicate Batman’s iconic cowl, making it a stunning collectible.
Limited to just 5,000 worldwide, this masterpiece from the renowned New Zealand Mint is a must-have for Batman enthusiasts. With its highly detailed craftsmanship and officially licensed packaging, this collectible will be the envy of any fan.
The Dark Knight 10oz Silver Batman Coin
For those seeking something even more impressive, the Dark Knight 10oz Silver Batman Coin offers a bold statement. Combining pure silver with 24-carat gold plating, this coin features intricate designs that include Batman himself, the Batmobile, the Joker, and the Gotham skyline.
What makes this coin exceptional is its use of the innovative multiple-layer technique—something never seen before in a 10oz coin. With only 150 pieces available worldwide, this exclusive collectible is as rare as it is breathtaking.
Presented in a luxurious wooden box and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, the Dark Knight 10oz Silver Batman Coin is a true showstopper. Plus, with an option to spread the cost over 10 interest-free monthly instalments, adding this to your collection has never been easier.
Batman Premium Capsule Boxed Editions
If you’re a fan of both stamps and superheroes, the Batman Premium Capsule Boxed Editions is a collectible you won’t want to miss. Featuring four distinct versions of Batman from comic book history—Modern Age, Bronze Age, Silver Age, and Golden Age—these editions also include the famous Bat-Signal from each era.
Each stamp is sealed within a tamper-proof capsule, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. With just 495 editions available, this is a rare and unique find for both Batman fans and stamp collectors.
NEW Official Batman Commemorative
Looking for an affordable yet striking Batman collectible? The NEW Official Batman Commemorative is a perfect choice. Expertly plated in 24-carat gold and struck to a proof-like finish, this commemorative features the official DC logo on one side and a full-color image of Batman on the other, straight from the original comics.
For just £19.99 (+p&p), you can add this commemorative to your collection today, and it even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Twelve Official 1966 Batman Commemorative
Celebrate the campy charm of the 1966 Batman TV series with this set of twelve Official 1966 Batman Commemoratives. Featuring beloved characters like Batman, Robin, and the Joker, along with comic-style text and quotes from the show, this collection is a nostalgic tribute to a pop culture phenomenon.
Presented in a collector’s case with the original Batman logo, this set is a fantastic addition for any fan of the classic series. With limited availability, you’ll want to act fast to secure your piece of TV history.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Dark Knight or new to the world of Gotham City, these exclusive collectibles offer a chance to bring a piece of Batman’s legend into your home.
Order now and celebrate Batman Day in true superhero style!
