New Issues
New UK coin released celebrating the Four Generations of Royalty for first time ever
The Royal Mint has today announced the release of a coin that everyone has been anticipating since the moment HRH Prince George of Cambridge was born on 22nd July 2013 – a coin celebrating the four generations of royalty.
2018 UK Four Generations of Royalty £5 coin
This is the first time that all four generations of royalty have been celebrated on a UK coin. The last time four generations of royalty were celebrated together was in 1894 under the reign of Queen Victoria.
2018 is an incredibly special year for the Royal family as they celebrate a variety of important milestones including the Queen’s 65th anniversary of her Coronation, the Prince of Wales’ 70th birthday and Prince George’s 5th birthday so it’s perfect timing for such a special coin issue!
Here’s everything you need to know about this important new release:
The stunning reverse features an original design by much-loved heraldic artist Timothy Noad, and ornately shows the initials of the current four generations, E, C, W, G, and represents the heritage of the House of Windsor.
The coin is available in several different finishes, all with varying edition limits that are likely to sell out quickly. Here’s your guide to the new 2018 Four Generations of Royalty coin range:
Perfect Quality. Very Affordable.
UK 2018 Four Generations of Royalty CERTIFIED BU £5 coin
The Royal Mint is releasing a brilliant uncirculated base metal version of the Four Generations of Royalty £5 coin. These coins have been specially struck and carefully handled to ensure that they are free of scratches and chips found amongst circulating coins.
Known as Brilliant Uncirculated (BU), they are available for £13.00 in a Royal Mint Presentation Pack or £10.99 in a Change Checker Certified Brilliant Uncirculated Collector Card.
Silver Proof – the Collector’s Favourite.
The Silver Proof £5 coin is firmly established as the most sought-after coin amongst collectors because they have all the qualities that collectors really desire.
UK 2018 Four Generations of Royalty Silver Proof £5 coin
- Precious metal content– struck from 925/1000 Sterling Silver.
- Strictly Limited Edition– just 5,000 coins. That’s 3,000 less than the Sapphire Jubilee £5 Silver Proof coin. That had a mintage of 8,000 and completely sold out at The Royal Mint.
- The perfect Proof Finish– even better than Brilliant Uncirculated. Proof coins are struck several times using specially polished dies to create a flawless finish with a perfect mirrored background. The ultimate coin quality.
Double the thickness. More than twice as limited.
UK 2018 Four Generations of Royalty Silver Proof Piedfort £5 coin
For silver collectors looking for something even more collectable, the double thickness Piedfort edition is the pinnacle of Royal Mint craftsmanship, they are twice the thickness and weight of a standard coin. They also have much lower edition limits than their standard silver counterparts.
There are just 2,000 Four Generations of Royalty £5 silver proof Piedfort’s – less than half the maximum mintage for the standard £5 silver proof.
The Gold Standard
UK 2018 Four Generations of Royalty 1/4 oz Gold Proof coin
For the ultimate limited edition, you can own the Four Generations of Royalty in Gold proof. This has been issued in two specifications: the Gold Proof ¼ oz coin and the £5 Gold Proof coin.
The ¼ oz is struck from 24 Carat Gold and just 1,100 have been authorised for release.
The £5 is struck from 39.94g of 22 Carat Gold to a flawless proof finish. Only 500 will be issued – 250 LESS than the equivalent Sapphire Jubilee Gold £5 that completely sold out at the Mint in ONE WEEK.
Due to its very limited nature, we will contact you directly to discuss owning the Gold Proof £5 Coin if you are interested – please complete the form below:
If you’re interested …
You can own one of the special collector edition Four Generations of Royalty £5 coins today, click here to view the full range >>
Just released: The Official RAF Centenary Coin and the story behind the design…
This year marks the centenary of the Royal Air Force, arguably the most important military anniversary to be celebrated in British history. In fact, there are numerous official events and ceremonies planned up and down the country to mark the occasion – including a service at Westminster Abbey with an RAF parade and flypast!
It has been a glorious 100 years, full of extreme courage, bravery and self-sacrifice by the men and women who served and continue to serve.
The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin
And, to mark this historic occasion, a brand new Official RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin has just been issued on behalf of the Bailiwick of Jersey. In my opinion, it is one of the most striking military coins ever issued and is the perfect tribute to ensure the remarkable feats of technology and courage of our RAF are never forgotten.
So what’s the story behind the design?
Mike Guilfoyle
For such an important anniversary, we knew the design had to be particularly special and we felt there was no better person for the job than ex-Royal Mint designer, Mike Guilfoyle.
Mike has 30 years of experience designing coins that have circulated around the world and has produced some of the most stunning British Isles coins ever minted. We were lucky enough to see the design process through with him.
From the start it was clear we wanted to include the most renowned planes from the RAF’s history and Mike came up with multiple options for us.
The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin Design
However, it was the idea to show the incredible changes in technology over the last 100 years that really captured our imagination. The coin features three of the most important aircraft from the last century; the Sopwith Camel, the Supermarine Spitfire and the Lockheed Lightning II which brings us right up to the present day and looks towards the future of our RAF.
Highly detailed design – intricate striking
Through careful research and communicating closely with the MOD, Mike has been able to render each plane in exquisite detail.
The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin Reverse
But this high level of detail and care didn’t just stop at design level. You can clearly see it’s been replicated right through to the striking of Mike’s design on the coins – what really took me aback is that none of the detail has been lost – that’s because the use of Modern Minting techniques used to produce the coins has resulted in one of the most intricately struck coins I’ve ever seen.
What makes it even better is that each plane has been enhanced with 24-Carat Gold Ink to really show off the detail and make it stand out against the Proof background.
The most iconic aircraft of the RAF
Here’s a bit more about why these three special planes have been chosen to feature on the coin:
The Sopwith Camel
Sopwith Camel
The Sopwith Camel has become one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the First World War.
In fact, J. M. Bruce tells us that “The total number of enemy aircraft shot down by Camels was 1,294, a greater number than were defeated by any other single type of aeroplane of the 1914-18 war”[1]
With that astonishing achievement this aircraft continued to serve until 1923 – an incredible lifespan for a plane in this era. [2]
Considering that the Sopwith Camel was serving from the very beginning of the RAF’s official formation and it was such an important part of the First World War, its place in RAF history is well-secured and was a clear choice to be featured on this stunning coin.
The Supermarine Spitfire
Supermarine Spitfire
The Spitfire has to be one of the most famous British fighter aircraft in history and it has become the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War.
In fact, this aircraft has become synonymous with one battle in particular; the Battle of Britain. Alongside the Hawker Hurricane, this aircraft helped to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain and was seen as such a superior aircraft for it’s time that The RAF Museum states “at the height of the Battle of Britain…a German ace…in a moment of anger and frustration, turned to his Commander in Chief and demanded a squadron of Spitfires!” [3]
With that in mind, and considering the Spitfire still astonishes the crowds at air shows today, featuring this plane was another unanimous decision.
The Lockheed Lightning II
Lockheed Lightning II
Now, this multi-role supersonic stealth aircraft is an incredible example of just how far technology has come and is definitely a plane which will play a key part in the RAF’s future.
In fact, 2018 sees the 617Squadron, becoming the first RAF Squadron equipped with the Lightning II aircraft, of which the UK has so far taken delivery of 9. [4]
To me, these three incredible aircraft represent an ever-evolving RAF that is consistently at the forefront of technology, making this coin a fitting tribute to the courageous work of the RAF, the men and women who have served over the last 100 years and those who will continue to serve in the future.
[1] https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1955/1955%20-%200527.html
[2] https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/sopwith-f1-camel/
[3] https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/supermarine-spitfire/
[4] https://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/Lightning.cfm
The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin
If you are interested…
You can be one of a limited number of collectors to own the Official RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin.
The three iconic aircraft have been highlighted in 24-carat gold ink and this stunning coin has been struck to the highest Proof standard you can find on a collectable coin.
Click here for more details now >>
Revealed: The Royal Mint UK commemorative coin designs for 2018
Each year, The Royal Mint marks important British anniversaries, events or accomplishments on our coins and today we are delighted to reveal the UK’s new coin designs for 2018.
Scroll down to take a first look – I can assure you that you will not be disappointed!
Representation of the People Act 50p
Representation of the People Act 50p by Stephen Taylor
This 50p celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Representation of the People Act, which allowed all men over the age of 21 and women over the age of 30 the right to vote. Arguably one of the most significant Acts in modern British history, it laid the foundation for equality and democratic freedom that the UK has today. The stunning design features a detailed image of five figures in glorious celebration.
First World War Armistice £2
World War One Armistice £2 designed by Stephen Raw
2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the First World War Armistice, concluding four years of bloody and gruelling combat, the like of which had never been seen before. ‘On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month’ the guns fell silent on the Western Front, a victory for the Allies but at a cost of over nine million soldiers’ lives. The words ‘the truth untold the pity of war’ are engraved on the reverse of this coin.
Royal Air Force Centenary £2
The Royal Air Force Centenary £2 by Rhys Morgan
This coin marks the 100th anniversary of the formation of the RAF. It is the oldest independent air force in the world. Involved in critical missions throughout every decade and confrontation, the RAF have protected Britain’s skies since its inception and were integral to the victories in WWI and WWII. The iconic design on this £2 coin shows the iconic RAF Badge.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein £2
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein by Thomas Docherty
This £2 coin pays tribute to Mary Shelley, marking the 200th anniversary of the publication of her most famous gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’. There’s no other iconic character in Horror than that of Frankenstein’s monster! It can be regarded as the first sci-fi novel ever written. The engraving, ‘The Modern Prometheus’ on this £2 coin, is a reference to the classical myth for which this story draws parallels with.
The 5th Birthday of HRH Prince George £5
HRH Prince George’s 5th Birthday £5 coin by Jody Clark
This coin celebrates the 5th birthday of His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge. Born on the 22nd July 2013, Prince George is the first born to their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and third in line to the throne. Over the past five years, from his birthdays to his first day of School, we have seen him grow into a charismatic young prince, winning a space in all the nation’s hearts. This beautiful traditional design features St George atop his stallion slaying the fire breathing Dragon.
All of these designs are stunning and there’s no doubt that these coins will only become more desirable in the years to come. I’m sure you already have your favourites, let us know in the comments!
If you’re interested…
You can secure the brand new 2018 coins in the limited edition DateStamp™ UK Specimen Year Set. Each of the new coins have been struck to Brilliant Uncirculated quality and encapsulated alongside a 1st Class Stamp which has been officially postmarked by Royal Mail with their first day of issue – 1st January 2018.