Posts by The Westminster Collection
Marking 125 Years: A Tribute to the Queen Mother’s Legacy
On 4th August 2025, we mark the 125th anniversary of the birth of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, a royal figure revered not only for her public role, but for the profound and lasting impact she had on the British people and the wider Commonwealth. In recognition of this historic milestone, a special range of limited edition £5 commemorative coins has been released — a dignified tribute to her enduring legacy.
Explore the full Queen Mother 125th Birthday Coin Collection »
Born Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1900, she married the future King George VI and stood resolutely beside him as Queen Consort following the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936. In this unexpected role, she became a source of steadfast support during the Second World War, choosing to remain in London during the Blitz and famously declaring that she would not leave the King’s side, even as Buckingham Palace itself came under attack. Her courage, grace, and calm assurance earned her widespread admiration and the enduring affection of the nation.
Did you know? During a royal tour of bombed-out parts of London in 1940, the Queen Mother’s presence was so moving that one survivor recalled: “She came into my ruined home, and suddenly everything felt bearable.” It was this deep connection with the public that defined her reign as Queen Consort — and endured for the rest of her life.
Following the death of King George VI in 1952, she became known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, continuing to serve the monarchy and the public with devotion for another five decades. Her warmth and humour, as well as her unrelenting commitment to duty, made her one of the most respected and beloved members of the Royal Family. Her passing in 2002, at the age of 101, was mourned deeply across the globe.
To commemorate this significant milestone, a special range of £5 coins has been issued, celebrating the Queen Mother’s extraordinary life and legacy. Struck to the highest standards — including editions in Proof and Sterling Silver and Gold — these coins serve as a dignified tribute to a woman whose enduring influence still resonates today. Each piece has been thoughtfully presented, many accompanied by certificates of authenticity and limited edition status, offering collectors and admirers a meaningful way to honour her memory.
A Design Steeped in Royal Symbolism
The reverse shows a graceful new portrait of the Queen Mother, inspired by Richard Stone’s famous painting. She wears the Greville Tiara and Queen Alexandra’s Wedding Necklace, framed by a floral wreath for the four UK nations. Her royal monogram below completes this personal tribute.
The collection is now available online for a limited time.
View the Queen Mother 125th Birthday Commemorative Coin Range »
The 2025 UK Harry Potter The Patronus 50p – A Powerful Finale to the Coin Collection
The final chapter of the Harry Potter Iconic Moments Collection has arrived — and it brings one of the most emotionally resonant scenes of the series to life. The 2025 UK Harry Potter The Patronus 50p commemorates the pivotal moment in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when Harry learns to summon the Patronus Charm — his most powerful defence against darkness.
The Story Behind the Spell
During his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter faces one of his most chilling challenges: the Dementors. These soul-sucking, wraithlike guardians of Azkaban are sent to patrol Hogwarts after the prison’s most feared inmate, Sirius Black, escapes.
Harry first encounters a Dementor aboard the Hogwarts Express, triggering traumatic memories from his past. Throughout the school year, under the guidance of his new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Remus Lupin, Harry learns to defend himself using a powerful protective spell — the Patronus Charm.
It is this iconic, transformative moment that is captured in the final release of this numismatic series.
A Stylised Tribute to a Legendary Scene
The coin’s reverse has been designed by Bella Biggs, Product Designer at The Royal Mint, and is based on Jim Kay’s critically acclaimed illustrated editions of the Harry Potter novels. It features a stylised depiction of the moment Harry casts the Patronus Charm, a symbol of hope, memory, and strength.
The design is available across three collectible formats: Brilliant Uncirculated, Silver Proof, and Gold Proof, with select versions featuring vivid colour-printed details.
Brilliant Uncirculated 50p
Struck to a superior finish and free from the blemishes found on circulating coinage, the Brilliant Uncirculated edition offers collectors a premium and affordable way to own this spellbinding design.
Key features:
- Official UK 50p coin struck to Brilliant Uncirculated standard
- Stylised Patronus design based on Jim Kay’s artwork
- Presented in official Royal Mint packaging with bespoke Harry Potter artwork
- Fully approved by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products
Silver Proof 50p
Limited to 2,500 worldwide
Crafted from .925 Sterling Silver, the Silver Proof edition offers a high-end finish enhanced with selective colour application, highlighting the ghostly presence of the Dementor and the radiant force of the Patronus.
Specifications:
- Struck to the finest proof standard
- Sterling Silver with vivid colour printing
- Presented in official packaging with original Harry Potter artwork
- Design remastered by Bella Biggs from Jim Kay’s illustrations
- Only 2,500 available worldwide
Gold Proof 50p
Strictly limited to just 50 coins worldwide
This is the most exclusive way to own the Patronus 50p — struck in 22-carat gold and finished to proof standard. With only 50 coins issued globally, it stands among the most limited UK Harry Potter coins ever released.
Highlights:
- Solid 22ct gold
- Proof finish with exceptional detail
- Design drawn from one of Harry Potter’s most powerful moments
- Officially licensed and presented in bespoke display packaging
- Previous Harry Potter gold issues have sold out quickly — demand is expected to be high
Due to the scarcity of this edition, interested collectors are encouraged to enquire directly with a specialist.
Completing the Collection
The Patronus 50p concludes the Iconic Moments series, which also includes:
- The Winged Keys 50p
- The Black Lake 50p
- The Flying Car 50p
It also follows the hugely popular 25th Anniversary character coin series featuring:
- Harry Potter
- Hogwarts Express
- Professor Dumbledore
- Hogwarts School
Each previous release proved exceptionally popular with collectors, and many have now sold out at The Royal Mint.
Secure Your Piece of Magic
Whether you’re completing your collection or adding your very first Harry Potter coin, the 2025 UK Harry Potter The Patronus 50p captures a defining moment in the story and in the hearts of fans worldwide. Available across multiple editions to suit all collectors.
Now available while stocks last.
New Designs for British Banknotes
Collectors Take Note: The Next Series Could Be Unlike Anything We’ve Seen
A sea-blue dolphin glides across a £10 note. A golden robin rests beneath the Sycamore Gap tree. The Angel of the North rises above an imagined skyline. These aren’t scenes from a gallery—they’re public design ideas for the Bank of England’s next generation of banknotes.
For collectors, this moment is monumental. We’re witnessing the potential birth of a radically different design era, and the public—not just the policymakers—are shaping it.
A Redesign 50 Years in the Making
The Bank of England is preparing to launch its first major overhaul of banknotes in half a century. Gone may be the days of solemn black-and-white portraits. In their place? Themed designs that reflect the soul of modern Britain—from innovation to nature, arts to architecture, and key events to quirky folklore.
The current public consultation invited suggestions on these themes and opened the creative floodgates. Thousands of responses poured in. And interestingly, the loudest and most imaginative voices have come from a surprising corner of society…
Young Voices, Big Ideas: A New Generation of Designers?
Despite the stereotype that younger people are all-digital and cash-averse, they’ve been leading the charge in this creative movement. Just a day after the consultation launched, over 2,000 suggestions were submitted—many from school-aged contributors and Gen Z voices.
From pop-culture nods to local heroes, steam engines to shipwrecks, the breadth of ideas is stunning. These younger contributors are proving that currency still matters as a cultural canvas, even if they’re more likely to tap a phone than crack open a wallet.
It’s a powerful sign: the next generation of collectors is already here—and they care deeply about heritage, design, and national identity.
What Could the New Notes Feature?
The Bank’s consultation focused on six core themes—but also welcomed fresh thinking from the public. The final selection rests with the Bank’s governor, but the shortlist includes:
- Nature: Plants, wildlife, rivers, coastal scenes
- Innovation: Scientific discoveries, technology, and pioneers
- Architecture & Landmarks: Bridges, castles, monuments
- Arts, Culture & Sport: Music, literature, cinema, culinary icons
- Notable Events & Movements: Civil rights, major historical milestones
- Historical Figures: A tradition that could soon be secondary
As with the monarch’s image (which will remain), some traditions endure—but everything else is wide open for reimagining.
What This Means for Collectors
If you’re a banknote collector, this is not the time to sit on the sidelines. Here’s why:
🔥 A New Type of Collectible
The next series may represent a break from 50 years of tradition. The first runs of these new designs—especially if they feature experimental or unexpected imagery—could become highly collectible. Think early polymer notes or misprints: short-run notes tend to skyrocket in value.
📚 Widening the Narrative
This isn’t just about faces and dates anymore. The new themes open up whole new collecting categories: nature notes, engineering-themed notes, folklore sets, and more.
🧑🎨 A Role for Young Collectors
For those nurturing young collectors, this is a fantastic gateway. The sheer number of students and young adults participating shows a growing cultural interest. What better time to bring a new generation into the fold?
Final Chance to Contribute: Consultation Closes 31 July
If you have a vision—whether as a collector, designer, or citizen—you have until 11:59 pm on 31 July 2025 to submit your idea. Whether it’s a theme suggestion or an original concept, it could influence history… and maybe even feature on a note one day.
Submit online or by post via the Bank of England’s official consultation page.
Your Turn: What Would You Choose?
We want to know:
- What themes or icons would you love to see?
- Are there coin and note pairings that could tell a bigger story?
- What overlooked parts of British life deserve a place on a note?
Drop your ideas in the comments. Let’s celebrate the creativity and curiosity that continue to make collecting such a rich and rewarding pursuit.