British History
New UK £2 released featuring Ada Lovelace
When you think of the original pioneers of computer science, names like Charles Babbage and Alan Turing might come to mind.
But what if we were to tell you that there was someone else who played a pivotal role in building the foundations of modern computing – Ada Lovelace.
Nicknamed ‘The Enchantress of Numbers’ by Charles Babbage himself, Ada Lovelace is the next innovator in science to be honoured on a brand-new UK £2.
First, let me take you back…
A Mathematical Talent
Ada Lovelace was born in Victorian England and quickly gained an interest in mathematics and science. At the age of just 18, Ada’s mathematical talent secured her a working position alongside ‘The Father of Computers’ himself, Charles Babbage.
This allowed Ada to focus her work on something revolutionary: Babbage’s Analytical Engine – the first ever computer.
A Visionary of the Computer Age
At the time, Charles Babbage and other scientists only focused on the numerical and calculating abilities of the famous Analytical Engine. But, Ada Lovelace had other ideas…
She was a critical thinker and knew that the computer had the possibility to go beyond number-crunching; she interpreted the machinery further than anyone else was even considering at the time…
Ultimately, she concluded that the Analytical Engine could manipulate more than just numbers. In fact, it could be used for letters, symbols, and most importantly – instructions.
This built the foundations of modern computing as we very know it.
Ada Lovelace’s revolutionary contributions were revealed to the industry in 1843 in the form of seven ‘Notes’. In these Notes, Lovelace provided comprehension, calculations and inputs about the machine and its abilities – resulting in her title as the first ever computer programmer.
And now, to honour such a revolutionary mindset, Ada Lovelace is being celebrated on a brand-new UK £2 coin.
The Ada Lovelace £2 Coin Range
Commemorating Ada’s contributions to computer science, she’s earnt herself a well-deserved place in The Royal Mint’s popular Innovation in Science coin series.
With a design that depicts the original punch cards that were used to programme the Analytical Engine, the coin’s reverse also reads a quote from Lovelace herself – “a discoverer of the hidden realities of nature”.
What’s more, this UK £2 coin range comes in a range of specifications…
From the collector’s favourite – Brilliant Uncirculated quality – to the stunning Silver Proof and Silver Piedfort specifications, there’s something for everyone.
But be warned – with extremely low edition limits and even less for Westminster Collectors, you’ll have to act fast to secure yours!
Westminster Collection raises £1.25m for the Royal British Legion
Thank you for helping raise £1.25m for the Royal British Legion.
For nearly 20 years, we’ve had the privilege of working in partnership with the Royal British Legion.
Each year we’ve created Remembrance and Poppy-themed coins and commemoratives to raise funds and awareness for the charity.
The 2022 RBL Poppy Masterpiece Coin 
The RBL Centenary Silver 50p Set 
The RBL Poppy Shaped Commemorative 
The RBL Centenary Gold £5 Coin 
The 2021 RBL Poppy Masterpiece 
The 2019 Gold Proof Poppy Coin 
The 2019 RBL Poppy Masterpiece 
The High Relief Poppy Silver Coin 
The 2018 RBL Poppy Masterpiece 
The 2017 RBL Poppy Masterpiece Coin
Through the sales of these coins and commemoratives, collectors have helped raise a remarkable £1.25 MILLION for the Royal British Legion!
We are extremely proud of this achievement, and hugely thankful to our collectors raised such an incredible amount.
In addition to raising funds for RBL over the years, we’ve also had the opportunity to find out more about their incredible work for the Armed Forces Community.
And earlier this month, when we presented RBL with a cheque for £1.25 million, we had the pleasure of meeting Robert Benham, Regional Lead – Admiral Nursing – Hampshire.
Delivered in partnership with Dementia UK, Admiral Nurses give one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with a diagnosis of dementia, their families and their carers. The effects of dementia can be devastating for the whole family, but Admiral Nurses help to ease the burden and reassure families that they are not alone.
Where do your donations go?
£1.25 million raised by The Westminster Collection for the Royal British Legion could enable it’s dedicated frontline advisors to help over 7,590 people in the Armed Forces community and their families get access to the help that they need.
Every day, RBL Case Officers provide practical and emotional one-to-one support, helping Serving and ex-Serving personnel, and their families, to get the help they deserve. The needs of the Armed Forces community are becoming more complex and can include a wide range of issues such as employment, finances, or housing; RBL Case Officers are ready to help and advise whatever the issue.
The funds raised by The Westminster Collection can help people like Lawrence.
Following seven years in the Army, Lawrence was medically discharged after injuring his spine whilst weightlifting.
After an exemplary military career Lawrence found himself struggling to adapt to civilian life.
To help Lawrence get the support he needed his fiancée Danielle advised him to get in touch with the Royal British Legion.
He was contacted by one of the RBL’s local Case Officers, Paul James, who was able to get Lawrence the mental health support he needed.
In December 2020, when Lawrence was unable to work due to Covid-19, his debt suddenly spiralled by almost 400%. But the RBL’s Benefits, Debt and Money Advice team (BDMA) were able to help.
Lawrence said: “They [the RBL] have helped me sort out both my mental health and my financial health. I’m debt-free and looking forward to starting a new career, I cannot thank them enough.”
To find out more about the Royal British Legion, click here.
What’s next for our partnership?
We’re excited to see our longstanding partnership with the Royal British Legion continue later this year when we’ll be launching the latest additions to our Official RBL Poppy coins and commemoratives range.
Enter your details below to sign up for the latest updates…
The Shortcut to an Iconic Silver Collection from Across the Globe
Silver Bullion coins have been a flagship contribution to numismatic history for generations, serving not only as a form of investment but also a piece of art, history, and culture.
Issued every year by the world’s most renowned Mints, a collection of Silver Bullion coins from across the globe is extremely hard to come by.
But today, The Westminster Collection are offering just 250 collectors worldwide the chance to secure a set of five 2023-dated 1oz Silver Bullion coins from the UK, U.S.A, South Africa, Australia, and Canada.
Read on to learn about the history of the 1oz Silver Bullion coin, what makes it so sought-after, and why this collection has taken years to create…
History of the Silver Bullion Coin
The history of Silver as a form of currency dates back to ancient civilizations. From the Greek drachma to the Roman denarius, Silver played a crucial role in shaping monetary systems across the globe.
In more recent times, the circulation of Silver coins was widespread in various countries. While the world has shifted away from Silver-based monetary systems, the legacy of Silver coins lives on through the modern Bullion coin.
The Britannia from The Royal Mint
The Silver Britannia coin, minted by The Royal Mint, holds a special place in numismatic history. It can be traced back to Roman times when the figure of Britannia personified Great Britain and its virtues.
The modern Silver Britannia coin, first issued in 1997, showcases the majestic image of Britannia as a symbol of strength, protection, and unity.
Each annual release features new and intricate designs, making it a true treasure for collectors. But, this exclusive collection houses the 2023-dated Silver Britannia, which happens to be the world’s first bullion coin to feature the official portrait of King Charles III.
The Krugerrand from the South African Mint
Stepping onto the African continent, we greet the iconic Krugerrand Bullion coin, which hails from the South African Mint.
Introduced in 1967, the Krugerrand was the world’s first modern Bullion coin. Initially minted in Gold, South Africa produced nearly 70% of Gold across the world during the 1960’s.
Silver editions shortly followed, and the Krugerrand’s widespread recognition and historical significance have made it one of the most sought-after coins among collectors worldwide.
The Kangaroo coin from The Perth Mint
Traveling all the way to Australia, we encounter the Kangaroo coin, minted by The Perth Mint. The Kangaroo series, first released in 1986, celebrates one of Australia’s most beloved and iconic creatures: the Kangaroo. Known for its unique design and exceptional purity, the Kangaroo coin is cherished for its representation of the vast Australian landscape and wildlife.
The Maple Leaf coin from The Royal Canadian Mint
Heading north to Canada, we encounter the renowned Maple Leaf coin, produced by The Royal Canadian Mint.
Launched in 1979 to compete with the Krugerrand while South Africa suffered economic sanctions, the Maple Leaf was the first Bullion coin to achieve 999.9 Fineness!
The Maple Leaf coin depicts Canada’s national symbol, a design which is synonymous with Canada’s flag, natural beauty and vibrant seasons.
The American Eagle coin from the United States Mint
Finally, we journey to the United States to explore the American Eagle coin – also regarded as the most popular coin in the world!
First crafted by the United States Mint in 1986, the Silver Eagle sold-out its entire 5,393,005 mintage in its first year of issue. Since then, this iconic coin has continued to break records, selling out of 91 million coins in 2014 and 2015.
Secure Your Iconic Silver Coins of the World Collection
Today, you can secure a collection of these five iconic Silver Bullion coins – which are all 2023-dated!
It is a collection that has taken years to create; such sought-after Silver coins from the world’s leading Mints aren’t easy to get hold of. Especially the brand-new issues.
In fact, just 250 collectors will have this rare opportunity, and it’s not one you want to miss…
Click here to secure your Iconic Silver Coins of the World Collection >>