Coins
350 Years of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich celebrated on a UK £2 coin
Originally released as part of the 2025 Annual Coin Set, the 2025 UK Royal Greenwich Observatory £2 is now available to own individually for the very first time – and it’s bursting with history and symbolism.
Explore the UK Royal Observatory, Greenwich £2 Coin Range >>
Celebrating 350 Years of Innovation and Exploration
In 1675, King Charles II commissioned the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, unknowingly setting in motion centuries of astronomical discovery, navigational breakthroughs and global timekeeping.
Image Credit: DiscoA340, via Wikimedia Commons
Greenwich is where East meets West, and home to the Prime Meridian – an invisible line that runs through the very ground. The Royal Observatory is where Greenwich Mean Time was born, and it’s been guiding explorers, scientists and seafarers ever since.
Now, 350 years on, this iconic institution has been honoured on a UK £2 coin.
A Design Packed with Symbolism
Created by renowned designer Henry Gray, the reverse design of the 2025 Royal Greenwich Observatory £2 is a treasure trove for collectors.
Here’s what you’ll spot:
- The Shepherd Gate Clock – one of the world’s first public displays of Greenwich Mean Time.
- Ursa Minor and Polaris – the constellation and star used for celestial navigation across centuries.
- The Prime Meridian on a globe – marking the division between East and West.
- And along the edge, the words: “PERFECTING THE ART OF NAVIGATION” – a phrase taken from the Observatory’s founding Royal Warrant.
Every detail speaks to the Observatory’s unmatched contribution to science, timekeeping, and navigation.
Watch our video
Deserving of a space in your collection
You can secure the 2025 UK Royal Observatory £2 in Brilliant Uncirculated quality, or for something truly special, it’s also available in Silver Proof and Silver Piedfort.
The Silver Proof version has an edition limit of 1,500, and just 650 of the Silver Piedfort coins are available. Demand for these coins is expected to be high, so don’t hesitate as you may miss out on securing yours!
The Coins That Nearly Didn’t Exist: The Unique Story Behind the Tutankhamun Treasures 50p Set
In 1922, the world was captivated by the discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb – a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian artefacts buried beneath the sands of time.
Over 100 years later, that moment has been honoured with a remarkable set of 50p coins – The Tutankhamun Treasures BU 50p Collection.
Approved by TWO monarchs and featuring THREE distinct dates, these coins carry a story as compelling as the artefacts they commemorate…
Watch our latest video below to discover the story behind the Tutankhamun Treasures BU 50p Set.
Approved by TWO monarchs
Originally approved by Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, the Tutankhamun Treasures 50p Coins were among the very last coins to receive her approval before her sad passing in September 2022.
But the change in monarchy put everything on pause. To proceed, the coins needed to be resubmitted to Buckingham Palace and King Charles III.
And in early 2023, the coins were officially reauthorised for release by King Charles III – now bearing His Majesty’s effigy by Glyn Davies, these were the FIRST 50p coins ever issued with this portrait.
Featuring THREE distinct dates
The unusual journey that these coins took to be released has created a truly rare collecting quirk – each coin features three different years!
- 1922 – Marking the discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb
- 2022 – When Queen Elizabeth II first approved the coins
- 2023 – When King Charles III re-authorised the coins for release
Triple-dated coins are exceptionally uncommon in numismatic history. In fact, the most comparable example was the Team GB 50p issued after the delayed 2020 Olympics – and that became one of the most sought-after coins of its year.
Time is running out…
We’re now down to our last remaining stocks of the Tutankhamun Treasures 50p Set, which means it won’t be long until these coins are lost to the sands of time…
Each coin in the collection has been struck to a Brilliant Uncirculated finish and features an ancient artefact that was discovered in Tutankhamun’s Tomb – including his iconic Death Mask, the Anubis Shrine, a Pendant, a Corselet and a model of the young pharaoh’s torso.
The Dambusters Raid: A Defining Moment of WWII History
In the dark early hours of May 16-17, 1943, a daring mission was underway—one that would change the course of the Second World War and etch the name “Dambusters” into military history.
Known as Operation Chastise, this audacious air raid targeted key German dams, aiming to cripple the industrial heartland of the Ruhr Valley. Now, over 80 years later, we continue to honour the courage and sacrifice of the men who took part in one of the most iconic operations of the Second World War.
What Was the Dambusters Raid?
Led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, 133 aircrew from the Royal Air Force’s newly formed 617 Squadron flew specially modified Lancaster bombers deep into enemy territory. Their mission: destroy the Möhne, Eder, and Sorpe dams using a revolutionary new weapon—the “bouncing bomb,” designed by British engineer Barnes Wallis.
These bombs skipped across the surface of the water, bypassing torpedo nets, before detonating against the dam walls. The operation was incredibly risky, requiring precise flying at just 60 feet above the water under heavy enemy fire. The result was devastating: the Möhne and Eder dams were breached, flooding the surrounding countryside and causing significant disruption to German industry.
Although the raid came at a cost—53 airmen lost their lives—the bravery and ingenuity displayed left an indelible mark on military history.
A Rare Chance to Own a Piece of Dambusters History
To commemorate this heroic operation, two remarkable collectors’ items have been released—perfect for any WWII enthusiast or collector.
The Dambusters 1943 Historic Collection
This stunning set features eight genuine circulating coins issued in 1943, the very same year as the Dambusters Raid. These coins are not replicas—they are authentic survivors of the war era, each carrying the legacy of a pivotal time in history.
Also included is a replica of the original Daily Telegraph newspaper from May 18, 1943, giving you a vivid snapshot of how the raid was reported to the public in its immediate aftermath.
Housed in a luxury presentation case, this collection is strictly limited to just 200 worldwide—making it a rare and highly sought-after addition to any collection. With 2025 marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, demand for wartime commemoratives like this is expected to soar.
The Official Dambusters 80th Anniversary £5 Coin
Released to mark the 80th anniversary of the raid, this official £5 coin has been authorised by Jersey and fully approved by Buckingham Palace. It’s an elegant tribute to the airmen and ground crews who participated in the mission, capturing the spirit of bravery and innovation that defined Operation Chastise.
Available exclusively from The Westminster Collection, this keepsake is yours for JUST £5 (+p&p) today when you trial the UK and British Isles £5 Coin Collection.