FIRST LOOK! Brand new UK commemorative coins released for 2020

Each year, The Royal Mint marks important British anniversaries, events or accomplishments on our coins and today I’m delighted to reveal the UK’s new coin designs for 2020.

What’s more, you have the opportunity today to secure them in a variety of different presentations or specifications – I’m sure there is something for everyone.

Simply read on to discover how you can be one of the first UK collectors to add these coins to your collection… 

FIVE new UK commemorative coins

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The Royal Mint has just announced the five new commemorative coins for 2020, issued to mark a variety of occasions and landmark anniversaries that we’ll see over the coming year:

  • King George III £5 – marking the 200th anniversary of the end of King George III’s reign
  • VE Day £2 – commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE day, signalling the end of WWII
  • Agatha Christie £2 – celebrating “100 years of Mystery”, the centenary of her debut mystery novel
  • Mayflower £2 – marking the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s maiden voyage to The New World
  • Team GB 50p – a tribute to Team GB ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games due to be held in Tokyo

UK 2020 Annual Coin Set BU Pack

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To give as many collectors as possible the chance to own these highly sought-after coins, The Royal Mint has issued them in Brilliant Uncirculated quality, which is coveted by collectors as it means each coin is free from any marks you would find on circulated coins.

In this BU Pack you’ll find the five brand new commemorative coins alongside the eight definitive coins from the 1p to the £2, all newly dated for 2020.

Each one is protectively encapsulated in its attractive original Royal Mint packaging to preserve its quality for generations to come. What’s more, you can secure this BU Pack at the Royal Mint issue price of just £55 (+p&p). Click here to find out more >>

This set of coins is also available as a CERTIFIED BU Commemorative Coin Set for £40 (+p&p). Click here to find out more >>

UK 2020 Annual Collector Proof Coin Set

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Whilst being struck from base metal, the coins in this set have been struck to a stunning superior Proof finish. This set also includes the five new commemorative coins alongside the eight definitive coins from the 1p to the £2, all newly dated for 2020.

Just 7,000 sets have been released worldwide in this limited edition presentation – that’s under half the edition limit of previous issues that have completely sold out. So, it’s expected this set will be extremely sought-after.

You can order the UK 2020 Annual Collector Proof Coin Set here with a down payment of just £31 (+p&p) followed by 4 further interest-free instalments – that’s the Royal Mint issue price. Click here to find out more >>

UK 2020 DateStamp™ Specimen Set

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The most limited way to own the five new 2020 commemorative coins is by securing the UK 2020 DateStamp™ Specimen Set. In fact, JUST 995 collectors worldwide can own this unique set.

What truly sets the 2020 Specimen Year Set apart from all other 2020 Annual Sets is the fact that it is forever set in time by the official Royal Mail postmark that marks the coins’ first day of release – 1st January 2020.

Each coin is struck to the highly desirable Brilliant Uncirculated quality, and come individually presented in tamper-proof capsules. What’s more, each set has a unique serial number, confirming its place in the tiny edition limit, and you can even register your set online to guarantee its provenance!

This annual set has a track record of completely selling out within a matter of days, so if you want to secure a set for yourself you’ll need to be quick. You can reserve yours with a deposit of just £22. Click here to find out more >>

Is your £5 note worth £50,000?

Did you know that there are ten £5 notes which are each worth £50,000?

Well, the key to working out if you have one in your change involves Jane Austen, Harry Kane and micro-engraver artist Graham Short.

… just watching this video could make you £50,000 richer!

Have you found one of the £5 notes, or do you know someone who has? Let us know in the comments below!

Precious paper – the first and last £5 paper banknote…

Later this year, a brand new banknote will enter circulation, but this banknote will be unlike any other seen before… 

It wasn’t until 1793 that the first five pound note came into existence. The £5 denomination, known as the ‘white fiver’ lasted with relatively few changes until 1956 when it was last issued and replaced a year later with a new blue five pound note.

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A ‘white fiver’ recovered from the depths of the sea following Operation Bernard

The banknote was changed primarily to combat forgery following ‘Operation Bernhard‘ – a huge German war effort which took place during the Second World War and saw around 9 million fake notes printed.

Of course, there have been numerous changes to the £5 banknote since then, from different designs, sizes, colourings and security features.

In 1970 a new series of notes were designed, each featuring an historical figure on the back. Portraits and highly detailed machine engraving blended into historical scenes making the new notes more difficult to copy.

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The 1971 £5 Banknote. Designed by Harry Eccelston OBE, the Bank of England’s first full time Artist-Designer.

But perhaps the biggest change of all is yet to come…

On 13th September 2016 a brand new banknote will enter circulation featuring the portrait of much-loved Prime Minster, Sir Winston Churchill . However, this new fiver is unlike any we have ever seen before – it’s printed on polymer.

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The New Sir Winston Churchill Polymer £5 Note © Bank of England [2015]

Polymer notes are made from a flexible plastic, which is resistant to dirt and moisture, which means they will last longer and are better for the environment.

The new note has a number of security features including a see-through window and foil Elizabeth Tower – which is gold on the front and silver on the back.  It also features multiple holograms and micro-lettering under the Queen’s portrait – which can only be viewed under a microscope.

You have until May 2017 to spend your current £5 notes, after that they will cease to be legal tender – but will still be exchangeable at the Bank of England.

What do you think about the new era of plastic banknotes? Let us know in the comments below.


white fiver - Precious paper - the first and last £5 paper banknote...You can own Britain’s most famous banknote… in silver!

In a remarkable feat of craftmanship the White Fiver banknote has been re-isued in fine silver – and you can add one to your collection today.

Click here for more details