Revealed: The UK Sovereign’s Biggest Transformation Yet
What’s changing, why it matters, and what you need to know…
The 2025 Sovereign has finally been revealed and Britain’s flagship gold coin is entering a ground breaking new chapter, bringing the most significant changes in recent history.
First is the announcement that 2025 will be the last ever Sovereign issue struck in the iconic rose-gold alloy, marking the end of an era for one of Britain’s most treasured coins.
From 2026 onwards, collectors will see a new yellow-gold alloy take its place. This change represents a new era for the UK Sovereign, ensuring that the 2025 coin will be highly sought after as the last of its kind.
Here’s how you can expect the Sovereign’s appearance to change:
A Silver Sovereign shocks the collecting world
Perhaps the biggest shock, in a move that nobody saw coming, The Royal Mint has also revealed the first-ever UK Silver Sovereign.
This unprecedented addition to the Sovereign family has already caused a stir among collectors. Silver Sovereigns are set to become a collector’s must-have, offering a new and exciting way to own a piece of numismatic history.
The Return of the Shield Design
As if these changes weren’t exciting enough, The Royal Mint has also introduced a brand-new design on the Gold Proof Sovereign’s reverse. For the first time in over two decades, the 2025 Sovereign will feature a Shield design, paying tribute to 200 years since the Shield first appeared on a Sovereign in 1825, under the reign of King George IV.
The last time we saw a proper Shield design on a Sovereign was in 2002, in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. That edition was a phenomenon, with all 20,500 coins selling out and becoming one of the most coveted Sovereigns of the modern era.
With an edition limit of just 5,000 for the 2025 Shield Sovereign, we’re expecting a collector rush like we haven’t seen in years.
Key details for collectors
Here’s the information we have right now on the 2025 Proof Sovereign range:
| Coin | Edition Limit |
|---|---|
| The Sovereign (Shield Design) | 5,000 |
| The Sovereign 3-Coin Set (Shield Design) | 650 |
| The Piedfort Sovereign (Shield Design) | 1,250 |
| The Sovereign (George & the Dragon Design) | 2,025 |
| The Silver Sovereign (George & the Dragon Design) | 50,000 |
The Sovereigns will go on sale soon. Quick sell-outs are expected across the range.
Hold History in Your Hands: A Real Piece of Spitfire on the 2024 RBL Masterpiece Coin
Remembrance Day is a sacred time for the nation to reflect on the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of those who served in the military. In tribute to this momentous occasion, the 2024 RBL Poppy Masterpiece Silver 5oz Coin has been unveiled – a breath-taking homage that commemorates one of the most iconic and pivotal moments in military history: the D-Day landings of World War II.
As we approach the 80th anniversary of this pivotal event, let’s explore the unique features of this limited-edition Masterpiece.
A Historic Connection to D-Day
At the heart of this stunning Pure Silver coin lies a powerful link to the largest seaborne invasion in history: D-Day, June 6th, 1944.
The centrepiece of the coin is a beautifully detailed Dakota C-47 aircraft, the same type that was used to drop paratroopers and supplies during the invasion. In this design, however, the Dakota is shown releasing a cascade of poppies—a tribute inspired by the moving 2019 event when 750,000 poppies were dropped over the cliffs of Dover. This image embodies the spirit of remembrance, honouring those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
This design allows you to hold a tangible piece of history in your hands—a tribute to the brave men and women of the Allied forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy and forever altered the course of the war.
Beneath the Dakota C-47, you’ll find another important piece of World War II history: a Spitfire AB910 in flight. But this is more than just an artistic rendering—this Spitfire is crafted from a genuine piece of skinning material from the real Spitfire AB910, a true D-Day veteran. This Spitfire made a significant contribution to D-Day as AB910 flew beachhead cover patrols during the day and night on D-Day itself and over the following days.
In the background of the coin, a map of the Normandy beaches is depicted, focusing on the area near Caen—where the D-Day landings took place.
This map is a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice demonstrated by the Allied forces, and the depiction of the Dakota and Spitfire heading towards the coast perfectly captures the spirit of the invasion.
Secure Your Limited-Edition Coin Today
With only 300 coins available, this limited-edition release is bound to sell out quickly. Each coin comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity, ensuring you know exactly which one you’ve secured from the tiny worldwide edition.
In addition, your purchase includes an informational booklet that explores the historical significance of the design elements, making this more than just a collector’s piece—it’s a meaningful tribute to one of the most important events in modern history.
A Chance to Make a Difference
Not only is the 2024 Masterpiece Poppy Coin a beautifully crafted work of art, but it also offers an opportunity to give back. With every coin purchased, 10% of the sale will be donated to The Royal British Legion. This ensures that the legacy of those who served lives on, helping veterans and their families in need of support. As of this year, Westminster Collectors have helped raised over £1.35 million for the Royal British Legion, and your purchase will help continue this vital work.
Click here to secure your Masterpiece Poppy Coin now >>
By securing this 2024 Masterpiece Poppy Coin, you not only hold a symbol of remembrance and tribute, but you also contribute to the Royal British Legion’s vital work in supporting today’s Armed Forces community.
We have plenty more fantastic coins and commemoratives issued in support of the Royal British Legion just like today’s new release so…
Click to view the range of 2024 Remembrance Poppy Coins in support of the Royal British Legion >>
10% from the sale of these products will be paid to The Royal British Legion Trading Limited, which gives its taxable profits to The Royal British Legion (charity no. 219279) or Poppyscotland (Scottish charity SC014096).
Discovering the Iconic Penny Red: A Piece of British History
Few stamps hold as much historical significance and charm as the Penny Red. First issued in 1841, the Penny Red succeeded the world-famous Penny Black, taking its place as the United Kingdom’s standard postage stamp for over three decades. With its distinct red hue and intricate design featuring the effigy of Queen Victoria, the Penny Red became an enduring symbol of Britain’s postal heritage.
The Problem with the Penny Black
Shortly after the Penny Black’s release in 1840, postal officials realised that people could remove the red cancellation marks using water or chemicals, leading to stamp reuse. To solve this, the Rainbow Trials were conducted, testing various inks to find one that couldn’t be removed without damaging the stamp. Black ink proved most effective, but it couldn’t be used on the black background of the Penny Black.
As a result, in 1841, the Penny Black was replaced with the Penny Red, while cancellation marks were changed to black to make them more visible.
While the Penny Red design mirrored its predecessor, the shift to red ink gave it a unique identity. It remained imperforate during its initial release, meaning stamps had to be cut manually from sheets — a detail that makes these early versions particularly sought after by collectors.
The Evolution of British Stamps
During its long tenure, the Penny Red saw several variations, from perforations being introduced in 1854 to changes in the way it was printed and watermarked. It was retired in 1879, and many collectors marvel at the enduring nature of this modest yet historically significant stamp.
For philatelists and history lovers alike, owning a Penny Red offers a tangible connection to the early days of modern postage.
An Exclusive Opportunity: The 1841 Imperforate Penny Red and Victorian Threepence Set
For those looking to own a true piece of British heritage, we are proud to offer the 1841 Imperforate 1d Penny Red and Victorian Threepence Set. This stunning duo combines two Victorian-era icons: the Penny Red and the highly collectable Victorian Threepence coin.
Your Silver coin features the popular ‘Young Head’ portrait by William Wyon – Queen Victoria’s first for coinage.
The 1841 Penny Red in this set hails from the early imperforate editions, offering a true snapshot of philatelic history. Paired with a Victorian Threepence — a coin minted during Queen Victoria’s reign — this collection is an exclusive opportunity to hold two pieces of Victorian legacy in your hands.
Perfect for collectors and history enthusiasts, this set is beautifully presented and makes for a unique gift or addition to any collection. As with all historical items, these pieces are in limited supply, so don’t miss your chance to own a piece of British history.