Posts Tagged ‘Royal Mint’
Celebrating Galactic History: The Millennium Falcon Coin Launch
Written by Star Wars video presenter – Jonathan Patterson
I’m thrilled to unveil a ground-breaking UK coin series today, with today’s release celebrating the iconic Millennium Falcon struck for the first time on UK coins.
A Galactic Collection: The Four-Coin Series
Excitingly the Millennium Falcon 50p coin is just the start, it marks the beginning of an exciting collection that honours the most famous spacecraft from the Star Wars universe.
Us collectors, can expect to see detailed coins of the Galactic Empire’s Tie Fighter, the Rebel Alliance’s X-Wing, and the formidable Death Star II, each reflecting their legendary status within the saga.
The Millennium Falcon Coin: A Detailed Tribute
Today’s release, captures the essence of the beloved spacecraft with remarkable detail, as depicted in the original trilogy. This coin is not only a visual delight but also features a unique lenticular design, allowing for a dynamic image transition between the Rebel Alliance ‘Starbird’ logo and the Millennium Falcon. It’s a fitting homage to the ship known for its speed, agility, and representation of the Rebel Alliance’s indomitable spirit.
Exclusive Editions and Limited Availability
Available in Gold Proof, Silver Proof, and Brilliant Uncirculated editions, this launch marks the first time the Millennium Falcon has been featured on UK coins. The Silver Proof edition, in particular, is limited to a global issue of just 7,500 coins — 40% fewer than previous releases—meaning you’d better be quick to secure one.
As we embark on this galactic adventure with the Millennium Falcon and beyond, now is the perfect opportunity to add to your collection. With prices beginning at just £5.99 (+p&p), dive into the 2024 UK Millennium Falcon Coin collection today and seize your chance to own a piece of movie history.
>>> Click here to discover the brand new Millennium Falcon UK Coin Series <<<
The history of the iconic Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the British monarch since 1837, including our very own Charles III and Elizabeth II.
It is quite simply one of the most iconic buildings in the world. From state visits to the daily Changing of the Guard, to the annual garden parties and national celebrations; everyone recognises this picturesque building.
But, did you know that Buckingham Palace was initially called Buckingham House?
Read on to explore the history of this great palace, which features on a brand-new UK £5 coin…
Buckingham House – 1761
In 1761, George III purchased Buckingham House for his wife, Queen Charlotte. Close to St James’ Palace, it proved the perfect home for the Queen who gave birth to 14 out of her 15 children there.
But, with the accession of George IV in 1820, he decided that he wanted to reconstruct the house eventually agreeing with his architect to turn it into a palace.
At the time, George IV told parliament that the reconstruction would cost near to £450,000 – that’s about £55 million today!
The house was doubled in size, adding new suites and state rooms, and the facing was curated from Bath stone, echoing a French neo-classical influence.
In fact, the rooms that were designed over 200 years ago stand the same in the current day.
Credit: Royal Collection Trust https://www.rct.uk/collection/922137/buckingham-house-the-east-entrance-front-1819
Queen Victoria – 1837
It wasn’t until 1837, when Queen Victoria ascended the throne, that Buckingham Palace became the official residence of a British monarch.
She was the first monarch to leave from the palace for her coronation, but her marriage to Prince Albert presented some issues. Namely that the palace didn’t have enough nurseries. It therefore went through another construction phase – redesigning some of the inside alongside updating the frontage after soot had ruined it throughout the industrial revolution.
Present Day – 2024
Nowadays, Buckingham Palace is the administrative headquarters of the monarch, as well as the Sovereign’s residence. The palace has 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 bedrooms and 78 bathrooms.
Every year more than 50,000 people visit as guests for state banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions and garden parties.
Credit: Royal Collection Trust https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace
Brand-New UK £5 Coin
To honour the incredible history and sentiment of this incredible British landmark, a brand-new UK £5 coin has been issued.
But stocks are extremely limited, especially of the rare Silver Piedfort edition of which only 800 are available worldwide.
Click here to view the range and secure your memento today >>
Celebrating 200 Years of Bravery at Sea: The New UK 2024 RNLI 50p Coin
The 2024 UK RNLI 50p has just been released, and it’s set to be a standout issue this year.
Given the RNLI’s revered status and the coin’s unique design, it’s going to be highly sought after by collectors.
We already know this coin is going to be incredibly popular. How? Just look at the engagement it received when we revealed it as part of the Annual Set this year.
Click here to secure your 2024 UK RNLI 50p
So why has this UK 50p coin been released?
The United Kingdom celebrates a significant milestone in maritime history with the release of a special commemorative coin. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), renowned for its heroic lifesaving efforts, marks its 200th anniversary with a dedicated 50p coin. This release is a tribute to the bravery and dedication of RNLI volunteers over two centuries.
The 50p design
Click on the flashing points in the interactive image below to discover more about the designs and specifications.
See the full UK 2024 RNLI 50p Range
The coin’s reverse, designed by John Bergdahl, features a striking depiction of the RNLI flag, gracefully encircled by a lifebuoy. The inscription “200 YEARS” and the dates “1824 – 2024” honour the bicentennial of the RNLI.
The obverse showcases the 1st portrait of King Charles III by Martin Jennings, surrounded by the inscription “CHARLES III • D • G • REX F • D • 50 PENCE • 2024 •”.
Image: Arpingstone, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
History of the RNLI
Since its inception in 1824, the RNLI has played a pivotal role in maritime rescue operations around the coasts of the UK and Ireland. Founded by Sir William Hillary, the RNLI was established out of a necessity to provide a dedicated lifesaving service, which was notably absent despite the high frequency of shipwrecks around the British Isles. The RNLI’s foundation marked the beginning of a noble mission to save lives at sea, a mission that has continued unwaveringly for nearly two centuries. As a charity funded primarily through donations, it has been instrumental in saving over 140,000 lives, thanks to the valour of its volunteers.
Right: Launching a lifeboat from the out-of-copyright book ‘English Illustrated Magazine’ published in 1886.
Given the popularity of the RNLI combined with the popularity of the UK 50p coins, it is certain our stocks will not last long.
Writer’s Choice
The RNLI 50p range includes a variety of different specifications, including the Brilliant Uncirculated 50p, the Silver Proof Colour 50p, and the Gold Proof 50p.
But there is one that stands out of them all and has been selected as the ‘Writer’s Choice’… The RNLI Silver Proof Piedfort 50p.
And the reason is: the edition limit.
The UK 2024 RNLI Silver Proof Piedfort 50p – double the thickness, double the weight of a standard 50p – has an edition limit of JUST 1,824. It is over two times more limited than its standard silver counterpart.
50p coins are already the favourites amongst collectors. Now add Silver Proof, Piedfort, colour AND a remarkably low edition limit to it and it becomes a must-have.
