Posts Tagged ‘UK Coins’
The UK’s NEW Coinage
The coins that we use every day are changing.
From the 1p to the £2, eight new coins will soon be entering our pockets and our piggy banks.
So, as we welcome the new era of King Charles III, both the ‘heads’ and ‘tails’ of our circulating coins will have brand new designs.
Read on to unveil The Royal Mint’s brand-new designs, learn about the history of Definitive coins and why this is the biggest change for British coins in 15 years…
The Coins of a New ‘Carolean’ Era
The coins, each designed by The Royal Mint, have been authorised by HM treasury and approved by King Charles III himself.
Over the past seven decades, our circulating coinage has undergone many changes, showcasing five different portraits of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, and two distinct reverse designs.
And even though we have seen His Majesty’s effigy on the obverse of several commemorative issues, this will be the first time we’ll see his portrait on the coins we find in our everyday change.
All reverse designs share a unique feature, setting each denomination against a stylised logo with 3 interlocking ‘Cs’, representing King Charles III.
Before they gradually enter circulation, The Royal Mint have introduced the first strike of these coins in commemorative quality – with a special Privy Mark…
Inspired by Our Natural World
What’s more, each coin embodies King Charles III’s passion for nature & sustainability, presenting various symbols of Britain’s vast wildlife on the reverse designs. Having been a Patron of The Wildlife Trust since 1977, Charles’ affiliation for the natural world was a key inspiration for the designs of the UK’s new coinage.
The new £2 coin design represents the union of the United Kingdom with intermingling flowers from the four nations of the UK: the Rose, the Thistle, the Daffodil, and the Shamrock.
For the £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 2p, and 1p, The Royal Mint have thoughtfully translated various wildlife creatures into innovative reverse designs.
For example, the £1 coin presents a pair of Bees, the 50p showcases a Salmon in water, the 20p a Puffin, the 10p a Scottish Capercaillie, 2p a Red Squirrel, and the 1p a sleeping Dormouse.
Finally, the 5p coin features a stunning combination of oak leaves and acorns – a perfect tribute to our natural world and England’s national tree.
The History of ‘Definitive’ Coinage
The eight different coin denominations which make up our everyday change (1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2) began circulating in 1971. This followed Britain’s shift towards Decimalisation, a plan which had been in the making for over 10 years.
Multiple artists participated in a private design competition, and among them was Christopher Ironside, the chosen designer of the decimal coins. Ironside’s designs remained on the reverse of the definitive coins for 40 years, until Matt Dent proposed the idea of spreading the Shield of the Royal Arms over the definitive coins in 2005.
“This piecing together of the elements of the Royal Arms to form one design had a satisfying symbolism – that of unity, four countries of Britain under a single monarch.” – Matt Dent
A Special Touch for Collectors…
The best part is, you can now secure the commemorative editions of the UK’s new coinage.
And in addition to new designs on both faces, these coins also feature a distinctive ‘Privy Mark’ on the obverse, a unique and sought-after element.
Designed to distinguish these coins from the ones you’ll eventually find in circulation, the first commemorative strikes display a delicate crown positioned alongside the effigy of His Majesty.
From the official Brilliant Uncirculated pack, to the prestigious Proof Set, or the strictly limited DateStampTM, you can click here to view the range with prices starting from £33 (+p&p) and secure yours before it’s too late >
The Silver coin collection honouring the most iconic Jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne on 6th February 1952 and celebrated her Coronation on 2nd June 1953 at Westminster Abbey.
During her remarkable 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed seven jubilees and was the first British monarch to receive a Platinum Jubilee.
And as we approach one year since her sad passing, just a handful of collectors will be able to preserve these remarkable milestones with four Silver coins…
Housed in one complete collection, you can secure the sought-after Silver Proof £5 coins issued by The Royal Mint to celebrate Elizabeth II’s Silver, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees.
And considering how sought-after her commemoratives have become, here’s why you don’t want to miss out…
NO LONGER AVAILABLE AT THE MINT
Queen Elizabeth II’s influence on the collecting world has been immeasurable. And nearly a year after her sad passing, we are still witnessing excessive demand for commemoratives from her reign.
So today you can get ahead of the crowd and take a shortcut to securing four Silver Proof coins from her most significant Jubilees.
The release of Silver Crowns is renowned as the traditional way to celebrate historic royal occasions, and each one features a unique commemorative portrait of Elizabeth II either on horseback or a classic depiction of the young monarch.
But, 3/4 of these coins are no longer available to buy from The Mint, so this could be your last chance…
The UK Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Silver Crown Collection
This exceptional set is essential for any collection. At a time more poignant than ever to collect Her Majesty’s commemoratives, this is the perfect way to preserve her extraordinary legacy…
Comprised of the UK Silver Proof £5 coins issued in celebration of her Silver, Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee from 1977, 2002, 2012 and 2022, this complete collection takes you on a journey through the most remarkable milestones of our longest reigning monarch.
Housed in a luxury presentation box with a certificate of authenticity, this could be your last chance to secure these Silver coins as three of them are off-sale from The Mint…
Your Last Chance?
Considering there is only one coin still available to buy from The Royal Mint, this could be your last chance to secure all of them in one complete pristine collection.
But considering Queen Elizabeth II collectables are scarcer than ever, this is the easiest way to secure the most sought-after Jubilee coins in with just a few clicks of a button!
However, only a tiny number of collections are available, so make sure you don’t miss out on securing such a rare set…
Click here to own your Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Silver Proof £5 coin collection now >>
Celebrate 75 years of Windrush with the BRAND-NEW UK coin range!
2023 marks 75 years of the Windrush Generation.
And to celebrate, The Royal Mint have released a BRAND-NEW UK coin range!
But what is the Windrush Generation? Carry on reading to learn more and find out how you can commemorate this historic occasion…
England, 1948
The term ‘Windrush Generation’ is coined from the arrival of individuals onboard the HMT Empire Windrush ship, travelling from the Caribbean to the UK between 1948 and 1973.
After UK migration laws changed in 1948, the HMT Empire Windrush docked in England for the first time whilst carrying over 1,000 Caribbean passengers.
The aim was to help reduce British labour shortages and to prevent an economic collapse post-Second World War, with the individuals who travelled to the UK becoming known as the Windrush Generation.
The movement was successful in rebuilding the nation after WWII, and their contributions to the UK have helped to shape modern British society and culture to this day.
In fact, the voyage became a symbol of the mass-migration movement altogether, and in 2023, we celebrate 75 years since the Windrush ship first docked in England.
The Windrush 50p
To celebrate the 75th anniversary, The Royal Mint have released a brand-new 50p coin in a range of specifications.
From the collector’s favourite – Brilliant Uncirculated – to the stunning 92.50% Silver Proof and double thickness Silver Piedfort in vivid colour, there is something for everyone.
In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to preserve such a key period of British history for generations to come.
But, with limited numbers available, you must act now! Click here to explore the range >>