The £5 Coin Celebrating 350 Years of the Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is one of Britain’s greatest scientific landmarks. Established in 1675, it became the cornerstone for global navigation and timekeeping. And now, this remarkable legacy is captured in an equally remarkable £5 coin — a design that pays tribute to centuries of exploration, astronomy, and engineering.
Whether you’re a passionate numismatist or simply intrigued by the wonders of science, this coin is worth a closer look.
A Landmark in British Coin Design
At first glance, this isn’t just a commemorative piece — it’s a statement of precision. The design is deeply symbolic, dividing the surface into two distinct yet interconnected halves.
Running vertically through the centre is the Prime Meridian, the global reference point for time and space, originating at Greenwich. This bold line doesn’t just split the coin — it connects hemispheres and disciplines.
East: Gazing Upwards
On one side, the emphasis is celestial. The Great Equatorial Telescope dome of the Royal Observatory rises beneath a starry sky, where Ursa Minor and the North Star remind us of centuries of cosmic observation and navigation.
West: Mastering Time
Opposite, the design moves from stars to seconds. Intricate mechanisms represent Clock B, a pioneering free-swinging pendulum clock by Martin Burgess, renowned for its unmatched accuracy. It’s a tribute to human ingenuity — where measuring time became an art and a science.
Strictly Limited Editions
Each version of the coin has been officially approved by King Charles III, with limited edition quantities that are already generating excitement among collectors:
- Proof £5 Coin – Affordable and accessible, available now
- Silver Proof Edition – Extremely limited, under 1,000 worldwide
- Silver 5oz Specification – Just 350 minted, crafted in pure silver for collectors who appreciate the artistry in full scale
🌐 Explore the full range here: www.westminstercollection.com/observatory5
A Timeless Tribute
More than a coin, this is a celebration of where science changed the world. It honours not just the Royal Observatory, but the relentless pursuit of knowledge that placed Britain at the centre of global time and space.