British History
The UK’s NEW Coinage
The coins that we use every day are changing.
From the 1p to the £2, eight new coins will soon be entering our pockets and our piggy banks.
So, as we welcome the new era of King Charles III, both the ‘heads’ and ‘tails’ of our circulating coins will have brand new designs.
Read on to unveil The Royal Mint’s brand-new designs, learn about the history of Definitive coins and why this is the biggest change for British coins in 15 years…
The Coins of a New ‘Carolean’ Era
The coins, each designed by The Royal Mint, have been authorised by HM treasury and approved by King Charles III himself.
Over the past seven decades, our circulating coinage has undergone many changes, showcasing five different portraits of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, and two distinct reverse designs.
And even though we have seen His Majesty’s effigy on the obverse of several commemorative issues, this will be the first time we’ll see his portrait on the coins we find in our everyday change.
All reverse designs share a unique feature, setting each denomination against a stylised logo with 3 interlocking ‘Cs’, representing King Charles III.
Before they gradually enter circulation, The Royal Mint have introduced the first strike of these coins in commemorative quality – with a special Privy Mark…
Inspired by Our Natural World
What’s more, each coin embodies King Charles III’s passion for nature & sustainability, presenting various symbols of Britain’s vast wildlife on the reverse designs. Having been a Patron of The Wildlife Trust since 1977, Charles’ affiliation for the natural world was a key inspiration for the designs of the UK’s new coinage.
The new £2 coin design represents the union of the United Kingdom with intermingling flowers from the four nations of the UK: the Rose, the Thistle, the Daffodil, and the Shamrock.
For the £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 2p, and 1p, The Royal Mint have thoughtfully translated various wildlife creatures into innovative reverse designs.
For example, the £1 coin presents a pair of Bees, the 50p showcases a Salmon in water, the 20p a Puffin, the 10p a Scottish Capercaillie, 2p a Red Squirrel, and the 1p a sleeping Dormouse.
Finally, the 5p coin features a stunning combination of oak leaves and acorns – a perfect tribute to our natural world and England’s national tree.
The History of ‘Definitive’ Coinage
The eight different coin denominations which make up our everyday change (1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2) began circulating in 1971. This followed Britain’s shift towards Decimalisation, a plan which had been in the making for over 10 years.
Multiple artists participated in a private design competition, and among them was Christopher Ironside, the chosen designer of the decimal coins. Ironside’s designs remained on the reverse of the definitive coins for 40 years, until Matt Dent proposed the idea of spreading the Shield of the Royal Arms over the definitive coins in 2005.
“This piecing together of the elements of the Royal Arms to form one design had a satisfying symbolism – that of unity, four countries of Britain under a single monarch.” – Matt Dent
A Special Touch for Collectors…
The best part is, you can now secure the commemorative editions of the UK’s new coinage.
And in addition to new designs on both faces, these coins also feature a distinctive ‘Privy Mark’ on the obverse, a unique and sought-after element.
Designed to distinguish these coins from the ones you’ll eventually find in circulation, the first commemorative strikes display a delicate crown positioned alongside the effigy of His Majesty.
From the official Brilliant Uncirculated pack, to the prestigious Proof Set, or the strictly limited DateStampTM, you can click here to view the range with prices starting from £33 (+p&p) and secure yours before it’s too late >
Exclusive Interview with Neil Roberts – The renowned military artist behind the NEW Britain at War Commemorative Collection
Last month, we had the privilege of diving into the creative mind of Neil Roberts, the artist behind our brand new Britain at War Commemorative Collection which encapsulates key moments from World War II.
Neil Roberts, whose work has graced the covers of Britain’s longest-running war comic book, Commando Comic, has lent his artistic prowess to craft this iconic collection.
Join us as we unravel the inspirations and creative journey that brought this remarkable project to life.
This is perhaps the most comprehensive and brilliantly illustrated WWII Collection ever created. From the Battle of Britain and D-Day, to the Great Escape, the Blitz and the Desert Rats – it’s all there.
Introducing the brilliantly illustrated WWII Collection
Special Introductory Offer – Yours FREE (+postage) when you trial the Britain at War Collection
Best of all, you can join this superb new collection for FREE (all you pay is postage). And, as a special introductory offer you will receive not one, but TWO of the commemoratives from this brilliant series for FREE (+£2.99 postage) when you trial the Britain at War Collection.
There’s nothing to lose. If it’s not for you – simply send it straight back to us and we’ll refund your postage. There’s no further commitment.
Click here to secure your FREE Battle of Britain and Escape from Colditz Commemoratives and trial the Britain at War Collection >>
Crafting History: the Royal British Legion’s 2023 Silver Masterpiece
Remembrance Sunday is an important time for the nation to honour the valour, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of all those who have served. Now as tribute, a remarkable Masterpiece has been released…
Introducing the Royal British Legion’s 2023 Masterpiece Silver 5oz Coin
Click the black dots on the image above to learn about each of the key features of this year’s masterpiece – and then continue reading below to get the full story!
Let’s journey through the truly unique features of this brand new ‘Masterpiece’.
At the heart of this stunning coin lies a tangible connection to one of the most iconic events of World War II – the Dambusters Raid. This year marked the 80th anniversary of the raid.
Let me explain. At the centre of the coin, you can see there is a Lancaster aircraft. This feature has been crafted with the metal from the starboard outer engine housing of Avro Lancaster PA474 – the same type of aircraft that participated in the historic mission!
This bridges the gap between past and present, allowing us to hold a piece of history in our hands.
The artwork on the coin showcases a powerful scene – a Lancaster dropping the two petal Poppy® over The Mall – this touching image is inspired by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s tradition of dropping poppies to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom. The scene pays tribute to the sacrifices of those that have fallen.
The original piece of Lancaster included in the Masterpiece is from the exact same plane that has participated in this symbolic act of Remembrance by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Struck from pure Silver the ‘Masterpiece’ design is completed with the Lancaster being flanked by a Spitfire and a Hurricane – two legendary aircraft that played pivotal roles in defending the skies during WWII – representing the courage of the pilots who used them to fight for our freedom.
Look closely, and you’ll discover another layer of significance in the coin’s design. In the background, Buckingham Palace is also featured on the map. This stands as a poignant reminder of Royalty’s role in difficult times for the nation – as well as a nod to the significant year the Royal family has had.
Click the video below to see the unboxing of the Masterpiece.
A donation to the Royal British Legion
The 2023 Masterpiece Silver Coin holds an opportunity for anyone passionate about helping veterans, to contribute to a noble cause. With each purchase – 10% of the sale will be donated to the Royal British Legion. This gesture not only enriches the value of the coin but also helps to ensure that the legacy of those who have served lives on through meaningful initiatives.
ONLY 250 AVAILABLE – secure yours while you can!
Each coin in this limited-edition release is accompanied by an individually numbered certificate – so you know which number you have secured out of the tiny worldwide edition limit of 250.
But that’s not all – the coin also comes with an informational booklet that delves into the historical significance of each design element.
From the inclusion of an actual Lancaster plane fragment to the poignant artwork of aircraft, two petal Poppy, and royalty, every detail has been meticulously crafted to honour the sacrifices made by those who came before us.
By securing this coin, you not only possess a piece of history but also contribute to the Royal British Legion’s vital work in supporting today’s Armed Forces community.
As of this year, The Westminster Collection has raised a remarkable £1.25 million for the Royal British Legion through the creation of Remembrance and Poppy-themed coins – click here to read more about where your donations go >>
We have plenty more fantastic coins and commemoratives issued in support of the Royal British Legion just like today’s new release so…
Click here for the range of 2023 Remembrance Poppy coins issued in support of the Royal British Legion >>
10% from the sale of this product will be paid to The Royal British Legion Trading Limited, which gives its taxable profits to The Royal British Legion (charity no. 219279) or Poppyscotland (Scottish charity SC014096).