Posts Tagged ‘Annual coin set’
Discover the 2025 Annual Sets
As we welcome 2025, there’s no better way to mark the occasion than with The official brand new 2025 Annual Sets — a stunning collection of coins celebrating the people, places, and events that have shaped British history. Each coin captures a defining moment, bringing history to life in a way that feels more meaningful than ever at this time of year.
Available on 2nd January 2025
Here’s a closer look at the stories behind these commemorative coins:
Marking the Birth of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother is celebrated for her steadfast resilience and unwavering support during some of the most challenging times in British history, including the Second World War. As a pillar of strength to her husband, George VI, and her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, her influence spanned over a century. The £5 coin dedicated to her features a reverse design with a portrait that previously graced the coin celebrating her 80th birthday in 1980—a timeless tribute to her enduring legacy.
200 Years of the Modern Railway
On 27 September 1825, George Stephenson’s Locomotion No. 1 revolutionised travel by transporting hundreds of passengers between Shildon, Darlington, and Stockton. This historic journey not only marked the dawn of the railway age but also transformed industries and cultures worldwide. The £2 coin commemorating this milestone captures the essence of that pivotal moment with a reverse design depicting Locomotion No. 1, paired with the edge inscription, “ACTIVE · LOCOMOTION NO 1.” This coin serves as a tribute to two centuries of innovation and progress in rail travel.
350 Years of The Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Founded in 1675 by Charles II, the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, has been a beacon of scientific progress, defining global navigation and timekeeping. The £2 coin commemorates its 350th anniversary with a reverse design that integrates the Shepherd Gate Clock, the constellation Ursa Minor, Polaris, and the iconic meridian line against a globe backdrop. Its edge inscription, “PERFECTING THE ART OF NAVIGATION,” underscores the Observatory’s enduring legacy.
Celebrating the Red Arrows
Since their inception in 1964, the Red Arrows have dazzled millions with their breath-taking aerobatic displays. Representing the precision and agility of the Royal Air Force, the team has performed nearly 5,000 displays across 57 countries. The 50p coin celebrating the Red Arrows features the sleek Hawk T1 aircraft, a tribute to the team’s inspiring legacy and their continued excellence in aviation.
Remembering the Stories of the Second World War
The Second World War was a defining chapter in British history, with contributions from soldiers, factory workers, and citizens alike. The 50p coin honours this collective effort with a reverse design showcasing the 1939–45 Star, Defence Medal, and War Medal—symbols of the bravery and resilience demonstrated during the war. Each medal tells a story of personal sacrifice and national unity that shaped the Britain we know today.
The Obverse: His Majesty King Charles III
Every coin in the 2025 Annual Sets bears the official coinage portrait of His Majesty King Charles III. Designed by Martin Jennings in 2022, this is the first definitive coinage portrait of
His Majesty The King to appear on coins, symbolising the continuity of the monarchy and the evolving story of the United Kingdom.
A Testament to British History and Craftsmanship
Each coin is meticulously crafted, embodying The Royal Mint’s dedication to excellence and storytelling. These sets not only celebrate the past but also inspire future generations to cherish and learn from Britain’s rich cultural heritage.
Available on 2nd January 2025
As stated by the Royal Mint
UK’s 2024 Annual Coins Revealed
The new year means one thing in the collecting world, new coins!
Each year, collectors eagerly anticipate the arrival of The Royal Mint’s Annual Set.
Featuring five brand-new commemorative designs, the coins celebrate some of the biggest anniversaries and events of the year.
Last year, the coins were issued for the first-time featuring King Charles III and as expected, all premium specifications sold out in a matter of hours.
Then, a little later in the year, the UK’s new circulating coin designs were revealed – again selling out and instigating a whole new wave of collectors.
2023 truly was a monumental year for coinage, and 2024 is likely to follow suit. So, let’s take a look at the 2024 coin designs…
RNLI 50p
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, otherwise known as the RNLI, was founded over 200 years ago by Sir William Hillary. Ever since, crews and lifeguards have been working hard to save lives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The coin’s reverse design features some of the most recognisable RNLI symbols, with the flag in the centre surrounded by a life ring and rope.
British Olympians and Paralympians 50p
This year, the 2024 Olympics will take place in Paris, France – exactly 100 years since the city last hosted the games. The Paralympics will also be held in France for the first time, making the games the biggest event ever held in France. 202 competitors from Great Britain will participate in 17 sports, in the hopes of clinching Gold.
The coin itself features a geometric design of an Olympian and Paralympian set against the Union Jack, with a small Eiffel Tower at the bottom.
Winston Churchill £2
The first £2 coin in this year’s set, honours 150 years since the birth of famous politician, Winston Churchill.
Having led Britain to victory during the Second World War, Churchill served as Prime Minster twice. However, the design of this £2 coin takes us back to a younger Churchill, depicting him as a young man during his time in the Cavalry arm.
National Gallery £2
The National Gallery also celebrates its 200th anniversary on a UK £2 coin. Founded in 1824, the gallery was initially opened with the ambition of making art accessible for everyone.
Soon after, a dedicated building was commissioned and built in Trafalgar Square in 1838 – the very building that now features on the new £2 coin.
Today, the gallery holds over 2,300 paintings from renowned artists like Monet, da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Buckingham Palace £5
The final commemorative coin in the set features one of the most recognisable buildings in the world – Buckingham Palace. The official residence of all British monarchs since Queen Victoria, the palace is now the headquarters of King Charles III.
The Definitives
Each Brilliant Uncirculated and Silver Set will also come specially paired with the 2024 Definitive Coins. From the 1p to the £2, these coins saw a complete re-design in 2023 and are now available in the Annual Coin Sets for the first time since 2022.
How to secure yours
The 2024 Annual Coins are available in a variety of different specifications. From the official Royal Mint Brilliant Uncirculated Pack to the Base Proof edition with exclusive Royal Mint medal, to the strictly limited Silver Proof and Piedfort Editions.
There really is something for everyone, so click here to view the range and secure yours >>
King Charles III awards Maundy Money for the first time as reigning monarch
Maundy Thursday is an Easter tradition that dates back to 1622 during the reign of Charles II. The tradition involves the monarch gifting members of the public special coins as part of a special ceremony.
His Majesty attends his first Maundy Service as King
Today, King Charles III attended his first Maundy service as reigning monarch at York Minster. Hundreds of people lined the streets approaching the Minster, many arriving before 7am to get a front row spot.
Credit: The Royal Family on Twitter
The King and Queen Consort, Camilla arrived at the cathedral around 11am and preceded to award specially minted coins to 148 people in recognition of their work for their church and community. The service concluded with the national anthem and a blessing.
What coins were awarded?
The coins awarded included a white purse containing silver Maundy coins equivalent in value to the age of the King. Also awarded was a red purse containing two commemorative coins.
Credit: The Royal Family on Twitter
This year, the commemorative coins gifted were a £5 coin issued to celebrate His Majesty’s upcoming 75th birthday and a 50p coin marking the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation. Both of these coins featured in the 2023 Annual Coin Set, which caused record breaking sell outs at the Royal Mint.
Within just 16 minutes of release, the Silver Proof and Silver Piedfort specifications of the 2023 Annual Set were no longer available to order at The Royal Mint. Other premium limited specifications sold out in less than an hour.
The 2023 Annual Coin Sets are still available in Brilliant Uncirculated quality, secure yours here >>
Queen’s Reign coin honours traditional Maundy money
The 2022 Queen’s Reign £5 coin honouring Charity and Patronage featured a design of traditional Maundy money. This represented Queen Elizabeth II’s advocacy and support of more than 600 charities across the UK and Commonwealth during her incredible 70 year reign.
Secure yours in Brilliant Uncirculated quality >>
