Posts Tagged ‘UK Coins’
350 Years of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich celebrated on a UK £2 coin
Originally released as part of the 2025 Annual Coin Set, the 2025 UK Royal Greenwich Observatory £2 is now available to own individually for the very first time – and it’s bursting with history and symbolism.
Explore the UK Royal Observatory, Greenwich £2 Coin Range >>
Celebrating 350 Years of Innovation and Exploration
In 1675, King Charles II commissioned the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, unknowingly setting in motion centuries of astronomical discovery, navigational breakthroughs and global timekeeping.
Image Credit: DiscoA340, via Wikimedia Commons
Greenwich is where East meets West, and home to the Prime Meridian – an invisible line that runs through the very ground. The Royal Observatory is where Greenwich Mean Time was born, and it’s been guiding explorers, scientists and seafarers ever since.
Now, 350 years on, this iconic institution has been honoured on a UK £2 coin.
A Design Packed with Symbolism
Created by renowned designer Henry Gray, the reverse design of the 2025 Royal Greenwich Observatory £2 is a treasure trove for collectors.
Here’s what you’ll spot:
- The Shepherd Gate Clock – one of the world’s first public displays of Greenwich Mean Time.
- Ursa Minor and Polaris – the constellation and star used for celestial navigation across centuries.
- The Prime Meridian on a globe – marking the division between East and West.
- And along the edge, the words: “PERFECTING THE ART OF NAVIGATION” – a phrase taken from the Observatory’s founding Royal Warrant.
Every detail speaks to the Observatory’s unmatched contribution to science, timekeeping, and navigation.
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Deserving of a space in your collection
You can secure the 2025 UK Royal Observatory £2 in Brilliant Uncirculated quality, or for something truly special, it’s also available in Silver Proof and Silver Piedfort.
The Silver Proof version has an edition limit of 1,500, and just 650 of the Silver Piedfort coins are available. Demand for these coins is expected to be high, so don’t hesitate as you may miss out on securing yours!
A Royal Milestone in Coinage: The Coat of Arms of His Majesty King Charles III
On 8 September 2022, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, His Majesty King Charles III acceded to the throne — a moment that marked both reflection and renewal for the British monarchy. Now, in 2025, a major numismatic milestone marks this new reign: the first UK coin to feature the Royal Coat of Arms of King Charles III.
More than just a design, the Royal Arms are a time-honoured symbol of monarchy and national authority — and this historic debut offers collectors a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a significant artefact of royal transition.
The Royal Arms Reimagined
For more than a thousand years, the Royal Arms have symbolised the authority, heritage, and continuity of the British Crown. Displayed on official state documents, courtrooms, government buildings, and even British passports, this heraldic emblem embodies the unity and sovereignty of the realm.
Image Credit: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
During Queen Elizabeth II’s reign (1952–2022), her Royal Arms were ever-present and, at times, even appeared on coinage. Yet, this is the first time the personal Royal Coat of Arms of King Charles III has featured on a UK coin, offering a powerful expression of royal continuity and modern monarchy.
The 2025 Coat of Arms £5 coin showcases a newly commissioned design by Timothy Noad, one of Britain’s most celebrated heraldic artists. His interpretation honours the enduring traditions of the monarchy while introducing elegant modern detail.
Key elements of the design include:
- The crowned shield, representing the nations of the UK
- The lion of England and unicorn of Scotland as noble supporters
- Heraldic flourishes symbolising duty, unity, and royal heritage
It is a timeless composition that reflects His Majesty’s lifelong commitment to tradition, the environment, and public service.
A History of Royal Arms on UK Coinage
While this is the first appearance of King Charles III’s Royal Arms, it joins a respected legacy of coinage bearing royal heraldry.
Under Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Arms first appeared on the inaugural £1 coin, introduced in 1983 to replace the paper £1 note. The design by Eric Sewell, then Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint, featured a stylised version of Her Late Majesty’s Arms and became one of the most recognisable modern coin motifs.
The Royal Arms £1 was issued in:
Right: The 2015 Royal Coat of Arms £1 was one of the last commemorative round pound designs
- 1983 – the very first year of the £1 coin
- 1993, 2003, and 2008 – each marking notable updates or anniversaries
In 2015, Timothy Noad was once again called upon to reimagine the Royal Arms for a commemorative issue of the round pound. Although that design did not enter circulation, it remains one of the last and most admired heraldic designs issued before the £1 coin was reshaped into its current 12-sided form.
The 2025 £5 release, therefore, represents not just a first for King Charles III, but also a historic continuation of the Royal Arms tradition on UK coinage — deeply valued by collectors with a passion for royal and constitutional heritage.
This historic debut is commemorated through an exceptional range of coins — each one a tribute to regal craftsmanship and British identity.
Why This Range Matters to Royal Collectors
- Commemorates a significant transition in the British monarchy
- Introduces the Royal Arms of King Charles III in official coinage for the first time
- Designs by Timothy Noad blend historic heraldry with refined modern artistry
- Every edition is produced to premium numismatic standards
- Rarity across the silver, Piedfort, and gold coins ensures high desirability and long-term collector value
Whether you’re a long-time royal enthusiast or a discerning investor in historic artefacts, the 2025 UK King Charles III Royal Arms coin range represents a landmark addition to your collection — and a tangible connection to the modern history of the Crown.
Buckingham Palace Silver Masterpiece Coin: 200 Years of History
Introducing the Buckingham Palace Silver Masterpiece Coin
A true collector’s treasure, the Buckingham Palace Silver Masterpiece Coin is a remarkable numismatic tribute to 200 years of Buckingham Palace’s transformation. Available in 2oz and 5oz Silver specifications, this stunning coin captures the essence of the world-famous royal residence, from its origins as Buckingham House to its grand reconstruction under King George IV in 1825.
A Timeless Tribute to 200 Years of History
This exclusive silver masterpiece marks a pivotal moment in royal history—the transformation of Buckingham House into the official London residence of the British monarchy. This one-of-a-kind coin is not only a celebration of heritage but also a showcase of the most advanced minting technology available today.
Exquisite Design: A Unique Perspective of Buckingham Palace
The aerial-view design of this coin offers collectors an extraordinary perspective of Buckingham Palace, as if soaring above The Mall. This breathtaking angle reveals:
✅ The original Buckingham House (depicted in reddish brick) and the grand white façade introduced post-1825.
✅ The iconic front balcony, courtyard, and majestic palace gates.
✅ The Royal Standard flag, signifying the monarch’s presence.
✅ Ultra High Relief Smartminting® 4.0 technology, giving the design an unparalleled concave 3D effect.
Obverse Design: Inspired by the Music Room
The obverse takes inspiration from the magnificent ceiling of Buckingham Palace’s Music Room. The design showcases an intricate pattern of Britain’s national floral emblems—roses, thistles, and shamrocks—encircling the effigy of King Charles III. This elegant touch pays tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the United Kingdom.
Innovative Minting: Smartminting® 4.0 Technology
The Buckingham Palace Silver Masterpiece Coin is produced using Smartminting® 4.0, an advanced minting technique that allows for ultra-high relief, creating intricate details that were previously impossible. This cutting-edge technology ensures that every fine detail—from the palace’s architecture to its ornate surroundings—stands out with unparalleled clarity and depth.
A Limited Mintage – Secure Yours Today
With a strict worldwide mintage of just 795 coins, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Buckingham Palace history. Each coin is officially authorised by Buckingham Palace and King Charles III, making it an exceptional collector’s piece.
🔹 Pre-order the Buckingham Palace Silver 2oz Masterpiece today for just £34.50.
🔹 Visit the Buckingham Palace Masterpiece Collection to reserve yours now.
