New Issues
Britannia DateStamp™ Silver Sets: sold out in 15 days
Just 15 days since it went on sale, the complete 495 edition of DateStamp™ “958” and “999” Silver Britannia Set has been fully reserved by collectors looking to capture an unprecedented, never-to-be-repeated moment in the history of this most iconic of British coins.
So why so special?
The ‘old’ 958 Britannia last struck at the end of 2012
Here’s the background. For the last quarter of a century, the 1oz Britannia Silver has been struck in, not surprisingly, ‘Britannia Silver’ with a purity of 95.8% silver – or more commonly 958/1000. Out of its total 32.45 gram weight, 31 grams was pure silver (1 troy ounce), the rest an alloy.
New year, new Britannia
Until recently that is. Other silver 1oz classics have always been struck in 999/1000 silver, the trademark standard of silver bullion coins the world over. Britannia at 958/1000 was the odd one out.
In with the new – from 1st January 2013, the 1oz Britannia is struck for the first time ever in 999/1000 silver
And so, from 1st January 2013, we waved goodbye to the old ‘958’ Britannia and for the first time ever, welcomed in the new ‘999’ silver 1oz coin – bringing her in line with the US Eagle and Canadian Maple Leaf but also securing Britannia’s status as Britain’s purest silver coin.
The end of one era – the beginning of another
Specification changes like this one don’t come along very often. And when they do, collectors look for something very special to remember it by.
The limited edition Silver Britannia ‘DateStamp™’ Set pairs up one of the last 2012 strikes of the ‘old’ 958 Britannia with one of the very first brand new 2013 versions minted in the purest 999 silver.
A moment captured in time
To mark this unprecedented change in Britannia’s history, each of the two ‘DateStamp™’ Set coins is presented in a tamper-proof capsule alongside a gold 1st class stamp, postmarked on the first or last day of issue – 31st December 2012 for the ‘958’ coin and 1st January 2013 for the new ‘999’ coin. The perfect way to capture and preserve a real piece of coinage history.
Also adding extra value, each set also has its own unique serial number guaranteeing its authenticity and limited edition status.
Missed out on owning one of the 495 sets? Other DateStamp™ coins are available, click here to see the full range.
Just 2,013 new UK Coronation coins released today
Just 2,013 new UK £5 Silver Coronation Coins have today been released as part of an exclusive Proof Coin Collection issued by The Royal Mint.
Released today: the UK Silver Coronation Coin
Struck in 925/1000 Sterling Silver to an immaculate proof finish, the £5 Coronation Crown marks the most important Royal event of 2013.
The ‘Crowning’ glory
Emma Noble’s exquisite St Edward’s Crown design recalls the moment almost sixty years ago when the young princess Elizabeth, watched by millions, was officially crowned Queen in Westminster Abbey.
Everyday coins
with a unique finish
Alongside the £5 Silver Coronation Coin, the other eight coins in the new Coronation Jubilee Executive Proof Set – the 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 – are newly dated 2013 coins in their original circulating metal.
That’s not to say these are the exact same coins you’ll find in your change – every single one has been finished to the highest possible proof standard.
New limited edition set features the new £5 Silver Coronation Coin as its centrepiece.
With just 2,013 Silver Coronation Coins released today, demand to own the new Coronation Proof Set is sure to be high.
**This item has now sold out**
Please click here for a selection of Coronation coins available.
Pistrucci’s iconic Sovereign design back for 2013
After months of speculation, 2013 well and truly got off with a bang following today’s unveiling of one of the year’s most exciting and eagerly awaited new issues – the UK Gold Proof Sovereign.
Pistrucci’s nearly 200 year-old design graces the reverse of the 2013 Gold Proof Sovereign once more
Nearly 200 years young
And after the change of reverse design on last year’s Diamond Jubilee Sovereign (only the fourth ever in the coin’s long and illustrious history), Benedetto Pistrucci’s almost 200 year-old Sovereign design makes a welcome return in 2013.
The one and only Sovereign design
For many collectors, Pistrucci’s classical depiction of Saint George slaying the dragon remains the definitive Sovereign design; it has in fact appeared on the coinage of every British monarch since George III. Fittingly, it is also 60 years since the pair first appeared on the first Sovereigns of the Queen Elizabeth II’s reign in 1953.
Another record Sovereign sell-out expected
Struck in 22 Carat Gold to the highest proof finish by the master craftsmen of The Royal Mint, the Sovereign has long been considered Britain’s most famous and sought-after coin.
Last year’s Gold Proof Sovereign sold out in record time and it’s widely anticipated that the 2013 coin will follow suit. There are however just 7,500 available worldwide so orders should be placed immediately.
Click here for a full range of sovereign coins currently available from The Westminster Collection
Read up on the History of the Sovereign