50p Coin
Why these are the most historic moments of the past year…
The first year of a new monarch’s reign is almost always the most important. It’s the one that sets the tone for their chapter in our history.
And as King Charles stepped into the shoes he was born to fill, certain moments from the past year captured the tone for the New Carolean Age brilliantly, with a mutual respect for tradition and adaptation to the modern world.
Indeed, these traditional roles of the King are so ingrained in our history that five new 50p coins have been issued with authorisation from King Charles III himself to mark the first time that each role has been carried out by King Charles.
Let’s take a look at what they are and why they’ve become so integral to British identity…
The Royal Maundy Service – 6th April 2023
This is an annual service held in the Church of England on Maundy Thursday, ahead of the Easter weekend. During the service the British monarch distributes small silver coins known as ‘Maundy money’ as symbolic alms to elderly recipients.
On 6th April 2023, in the beautiful York Minster, the King gave 74 men and 74 women two small purses each – one red and one white – each containing Maundy money.
Importantly, the number of recipients and the value of the coins within the white purse reflects the King’s age. While the red purse held two commemorative coins, one issued to mark his 75th birthday and one to mark the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation.
The Coronation – 6th May 2023
Now, we’ll all remember where we were on 6th May 2023, as the nation came together to witness the first Coronation in 70 years, with 20 million of us watching the live TV broadcast.
The crowning of a King or Queen is an ancient ceremony, rich in religious significance, history and pageantry.
A Coronation Liturgy (or Order of Service) was authorised by the Archbishop of Canterbury and produced in close consultation with the King and the UK Government and comprised both traditional and completely new elements.
Trooping the Colour – 17th June 2023
Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial event performed every year on Horse Guards Parade in London by regiments of the Household Division, to celebrate the official birthday of the British Sovereign. This ancient ceremony has occurred since 1748 and is the highlight of the military ceremonial calendar.
King Charles III led the way on horseback with Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward also on horseback behind him.
The colour trooped in 2023 was that of The Welsh Guards for the first time in 30 years.
The Garter Service – 19th June 2023
In medieval times, King Edward III was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he set up his own group of honourable knights, called the Order of the Garter.
Today, the Order includes The King, several senior members of the Royal Family, and twenty-four knights, chosen in recognition of their work. In 2023 two new members of the Order of the Garter were appointed by the King – Chris Patten, the final governor of Hong Kong, and former Labour minister Catherine Ashton.
Every June, a grand procession of the knights takes place at Windsor Castle, accompanied by a marching band and Officers of the Order, all in grand ceremonial dress.
The State Opening of Parliament – 7th November 2023
“His Majesty’s most gracious speech to both Houses of Parliament” marks the beginning of a new parliamentary year.
The speech sets out the programme of legislation that the Government intend to pursue in the forthcoming parliamentary session.
Importantly, the 2023 State Opening of Parliament was held much later in the year than usual due to the Coronation in May.
These moments will go down in history as the first in the reign of King Charles III, and the most important British traditions upheld in 2023.
That’s why all 5 moments have been immortalised further on five official 50p coins which will remain highly collectable long after this chapter in our history is closed.
Click here to shop the King Charles III Inaugural Year Range
Celebrating the inaugural year of King Charles III
6th May 2023 saw the country united in joy and renewed hope for the future of British monarchy as we witnessed the first Coronation in 70 years. Since then, King Charles III has set the tone for his reign with a wonderful mix of tradition, humour, and adaptation to the modern world.
Indeed, history is being written before our eyes, as a man steps into the shoes he was born to fill.
And to commemorate this period of great change, a series of 50p coins have been issued under authorisation from Buckingham Palace and King Charles III himself.
Here’s how you can own one, for yourself or for generations to come…
Collector’s Choice: Limited Edition Dual-Plated 50p Collection
This stunning collection features 10 brand new 50p coins charting the most important firsts in the reign of King Charles III and the world-famous Royal Mews.
Each coin is struck to a BU finish and features dual-plating of silver and 24 carat gold – a SELL-OUT specification reserved for royal 50p releases in recent years. Just 29,995 dual-plated 50p collections have been authorised for release.
Re-capture the joy of collecting as you receive a new dual-plated 50p each month for just £24.99 (+p&p). And when you trial the collection today you’ll SAVE £20.00 on the very first coin – yours for just £4.99 (+p&p).
We’re confident you’ll love watching your collection grow, but if not, you’re covered by your 30-Day Money Back Guarantee and there’s no obligation to continue collecting. So what have you got to lose?
Click here to Own the FIRST Dual-Plated 50p for just £4.99(+p&p)
Classic BU Pack Presentation
From Trooping the Colour to the State Opening of Parliament, this set features five 50p coins commemorating the most significant, traditional events in King Charles III’s inaugural year.
Each coin is struck to a BU finish and housed in a classic collector pack.
Click here to get yours for just £37.50 (+p&p)
Time-Sealed Silver DateStamp™ Pair – 995 worldwide
This special DateStamp™ Pair is the perfect time-sealed commemorative celebrating the first year of the reign of King Charles III.
Featuring the Official British Isles Coronation 50p and the Official British Isles Inaugural Year 50p, each coin is struck from Sterling Silver to a pristine Proof finish.
Importantly, each 50p is paired with a 1st class stamp and has been officially postmarked by Royal Mail on the date of the Coronation and the 1 year anniversary – 6th May 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Due to the one-day-only nature of both postmarks, no more of these historic DateStamp™ Pairs can ever be issued. And with just 995 worldwide, we’re expecting a sell-out before we reach the anniversary of the Coronation.
Secure one today with an initial interest-free instalment of just £15.50 (+p&p)
Premium Pick: Silver Proof 50p Set – pay just £37.50 today
These stunning Silver Proof 50p coins with intricate 24 carat gold-plating are the premium pick and a timeless way to commemorate this period of our history. However, they won’t be around for long…
1. A SELL OUT Specification – From the UK NHS 50p to the recent 50p paying tribute to the work of the RNLI, Silver Proof 50p coins are always in high demand and the sets have a strong sell out history.
2. Struck to PERFECTION – Each coin has been struck from Sterling Silver to a pristine Proof finish with the addition of intricate 24 carat gold-plating to bring the designs to life.
3. Issued with a TINY EDITION LIMIT – just 750 sets have been authorised for worldwide release. That almost certainly won’t meet demand.
What’s more, this prestigious set can be yours with 10 interest-free instalments of just £37.50(+p&p).
Click here to secure your King Charles III Inaugural Year Silver Proof Set
We can’t overestimate the historic significance of a change in the tide of British monarchy. We are living through a period that will be remembered in history books and immortalised on official coinage.
Be part of the story and secure your King Charles III Inaugural Year commemorative coin today.
The National Gallery: A Journey Through Art and Time
In the bustling heart of London, the National Gallery began its life in 1824, initially occupying the former townhouse of banker John Julius Angerstein at No.100 Pall Mall. The modest beginning—with just 38 paintings—was the spark for what would grow into one of the world’s most revered art institutions. In April 1824 the House of Commons agreed to pay £57,000 for the picture collection of the banker John Julius Angerstein. His 38 pictures were intended to form the core of a new national collection, for the enjoyment and education of all.
The Evolution of a Landmark
The National Gallery’s early days at No.100 Pall Mall weren’t exactly glamorous. It was small, stuffy, and constantly packed, making it a bit of an embarrassment compared to the grandeur of the Louvre in Paris. However, Agar Ellis, a trustee of the gallery, saw its location on Pall Mall as crucial, right in the heart of London’s hustle and bustle.
In 1832, construction started on a new building by William Wilkins, replacing the old Royal Mews in Charing Cross. Positioned between the affluent West End and less privileged areas to the east, its location was strategic. The idea was to make the collection accessible to people from all walks of life, prioritising social inclusion over concerns like city pollution or architectural flaws.
Even as the possibility of moving to South Kensington arose in the 1850s, the emphasis remained on making art available to everyone. As stated by the Parliamentary Commission of 1857, the purpose of the collection wasn’t just to display pictures, but to enrich the lives of the people, regardless of their social standing.
Today, the National Gallery is a vibrant hub for art lovers of all backgrounds. It’s diverse collection, ranging from iconic masterpieces to hidden gems, offers endless opportunities for exploration and inspiration. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and digital initiatives, the gallery provides a welcoming environment where everyone can engage with art.
Celebrating 200 Years of Art
In recognition of its 200th anniversary, the National Gallery is celebrated with a special coin designed by Edwina Ellis, known for her detailed engravings. The coin beautifully features the gallery at its center, surrounded by the inscription of the anniversary. This keepsake is not just a piece of metal but a symbol of the gallery’s enduring legacy, available in gold, silver, and uncirculated editions.
The edge of the coin bears the inscription ‘MAIORVM GLORIA POSTERIS LVMEN EST’, meaning “The glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants.” This phrase, inscribed in the gallery’s very architecture, encapsulates the essence of the National Gallery: a portal to the past and a beacon for the future.
Explore the whole National Gallery £2 range now by clicking here >>