Posts by The Westminster Collection
First World War £2 Coin: A Collector’s Guide
In the world of coin collecting many commemorative coins have been issued, but few are as historically powerful as the First World War £2 coin series. Struck between 2014 and 2018, these coins marked the centenary of the First World War (1914–1918) and paid tribute to the men and women who played vital roles in the conflict.
For coin collectors and history enthusiasts alike, the WW1 £2 coins are much more than currency — they are miniature memorials, designed to keep the memory of the Great War alive.
Designs in the First World War £2 Coin Series
The Royal Mint released several WW1 commemorative £2 coins, each telling a different part of the story:
- 2014 Kitchener £2 Coin – “Your Country Needs You”
The first coin in the series features Lord Kitchener’s iconic recruitment poster, one of the most famous images of the war. - 2015 Royal Navy £2 Coin
Honouring the Royal Navy, this coin shows a battleship cutting through the waves. A rare “flag error” variety makes some of these coins especially sought-after by collectors. - 2016 Army £2 Coin – Pals Battalions
This design reflects the camaraderie of the volunteer soldiers who enlisted and served together. - 2017 Aviation £2 Coin
Celebrating the early days of military flight, this issue highlights the role of aircraft in the First World War. - 2018 Armistice £2 Coin
Marking 100 years since the end of the war, this coin features a symbolic design representing peace and remembrance.
Together, the set of First World War £2 coins forms a complete narrative of Britain’s role in the conflict, from recruitment to remembrance.
Errors found on WW1 Coins
2014 First World War Kitchener £2 – Missing denomination
This £2 coin was issued in 2014 to mark 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War. It features an image of Lord Kitchener who was a prominent figure on British government propaganda campaigns during the time.
A total of 5,720,000 of these coins entered circulation, so finding one in your change is not unlikely. However, a small number are believed to have been released without the ‘Two Pounds’ denomination on the obverse.
In some cases, the denomination is included within the reverse design instead, which explains why it may not also appear on the obverse. A good example of this is the Trinity House £2 coin, issued earlier in the same year, where the wording appears on the reverse.
It is thought that the dies used to strike the obverse of the Trinity House £2 were mistakenly carried over when production of the First World War Centenary £2 coins began—resulting in some pieces lacking the denomination altogether.
To date, only two of these ‘error’ coins have been reported in circulation. Remarkably, the first confirmed example was sold by Lockdales Auctioneers in March 2020 for £500.
The First World War (1914–1918) was a defining chapter in Britain’s history. From the trenches of the Western Front to advances in aviation and naval power, the conflict reshaped the world. The Royal Mint’s £2 coins commemorate this legacy—not only as sought-after collectibles, but also as enduring reminders of sacrifice, resilience, and national memory.
2015 First World War Navy £2 – ‘Flag’ error
When the Navy £2 was released in 2015, it quickly captured attention in the collecting world after being revealed as one of the lowest mintage commemorative £2 coins, with only 650,000 struck.
The original design (below left) depicts the mast without any additional detail. However, sharp-eyed collectors later observed that some coins appeared to show a small flag flying at the top.
As shown by the two coins above, the coin on the right appears to feature a small flag at the top of the mast, whereas the first coin is completely unmarked.
This led many collectors to question whether two distinct versions of the Navy £2 coin had been released into circulation. However, it was later confirmed that the appearance of the “flag” was not part of the design. Instead, it is believed to have resulted from a cracked die during production.
Should You Add a WWI £2 Coin to Your Collection?
While the 2014 Kitchener and 2015 Royal Navy coins were released into general circulation, the later issues (Army, Aviation, Armistice) were struck mainly for collector sets, making them harder to find in everyday change.
If you’re collecting UK commemorative £2 coins, the First World War series is one of the most significant. Use the link below to explore our website and discover a wide range of WWI, WWII and military-themed collectables to help build your collection.
These coins are popular with:
- Collectors – seeking historically meaningful £2 issues.
- History enthusiasts – preserving the memory of the Great War.
- Families with military connections – looking for a lasting tribute.
At The Westminster Collection, we always strive to ensure the highest level of accuracy for our collectors. If you spot any inaccuracies or have additional insights, please don’t hesitate to let us know — we’ll be happy to review and update our blog accordingly.
The 2025 Bee £1 – The UK’s Current Rarest Coin?
The 2025 Bee £1 is set to be the UK’s rarest pound coin currently in circulation! In fact, as of this moment, the 2025 Bee £1 is even rarer than both the Salmon and Kew Gardens 50ps!
The Royal Mint has confirmed that 30.855 million new £1 coins are entering circulation across the UK. The release includes:
- 23.29 million of the final £1 coins featuring Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
- 7.565 million coins bearing the portrait of His Majesty King Charles III, of which just 170,000 are new 2025-dated Bee £1 coins.
That makes the 2025 Bee £1 currently the rarest circulating UK £1 coin. While it’s possible more could enter circulation in future, right now it holds the title of the rarest £1 coin you could hope to find in your pocket. For serious collectors, the most reliable way to own one will be by securing it now in Brilliant Uncirculated quality.
Why the 2025 Bee £1 Matters
Only 170,000 of the 2025 Bee £1 coins are confirmed to be entering circulation at this stage – one of the lowest circulating mintages of any UK coin to date.
For context:
- The 2023 Salmon 50p caused a frenzy at just 200,000 coins.
- The Kew Gardens 50p, long regarded as the “holy grail” of UK change, had a mintage of 210,000.
That means the 2025 Bee £1 is currently the rarest UK £1 coin in circulation. But with numbers this low, it’s highly unlikely you’ll come across one by chance.
👉 Guarantee yours now in the 2025 UK Brilliant Uncirculated Coinage Set, before demand outstrips availability.
The Return of Queen Elizabeth II on the £1
In a surprising twist, it was also announced that more 2021 and 2022 dated Nations of the Crown £1 coins will be released, in fact 23.29 million Nations of the Crown £1 coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait will be released into circulation.
These will be the LAST circulating £1 coins to feature Her Majesty, marking the end of an era.
And, with just 7.735 million of the 2022 dated Nations of the Crown £1s in circulation, this becomes the rarest 12-sided £1 coin to feature the Queen’s portrait!
These coins mark an important chapter in modern coinage history, representing Her late Majesty’s rare reappearance on the £1. But while millions will circulate, the 2025 Bee £1 currently offers the ultra-low numbers collectors truly prize.
More 2023 Bee £1 Coins Entering Circulation
Collectors can also expect to see additional 2023-dated King Charles III Bee £1 coins this year.
- A further 7.395 million coins are being released.
These will be easier to find in change, but the 2025 Bee £1 stands apart as the UK’s current rarest £1 coin with its record-breaking rarity.
Secure the 2025 Bee £1 for Your Collection Today
The 2025 UK Brilliant Uncirculated Coinage Set includes the brand-new Bee £1 alongside the other seven definitive UK coins from the 1p to the £2.
Each is struck to Brilliant Uncirculated quality – a superior finish not possible in circulation.
👉 With demand already growing, this is your opportunity to guarantee the UK’s current rarest £1 coin in circulation for your collection. Don’t leave it to chance – secure yours today.
The World’s Most Expensive Coin
Coin collectors are always on the hunt for treasures that combine history, rarity, and value. Among all rare coins, none capture the imagination quite like the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – widely regarded as the most expensive coin in the world.
A Record-Breaking Auction for the most expensive coin in the world
On June 8, 2021, Sotheby’s auction house sold the 1933 Double Eagle for an incredible $18,872,250 (approx. £13.5 million), setting the record for the highest price ever paid for a coin. To put that in perspective, the same coin fetched $7.59 million (approx. £5.4 million) back in 2002 – proving how highly collectors prize it.
Want to see the story come alive? Don’t miss our exclusive video all about the 1933 Double Eagle (Play Below)
Why Is the 1933 Double Eagle So Valuable?
Collectors search for this coin not just because it’s rare, but because its story is one of intrigue and historical significance:
- Minted but Melted: 445,500 Double Eagles were struck in 1933, but nearly all were melted down when President Franklin D. Roosevelt ended the gold standard.
- Not Meant for Circulation: The U.S. Treasury never officially released them, which makes any surviving example extraordinarily rare.
- The King Farouk Connection: One coin was legally exported to Egypt’s King Farouk, fueling decades of legal battles and intrigue.
- The Only Legal Example: Today, just one coin is privately owned – the same one that set the world record.
For coin enthusiasts, the most expensive coin in the world holds the ultimate blend of rarity, beauty, and backstory.
Other Coins Worth Millions
Although the Double Eagle holds the crown, these coins also draw global attention:
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – Sold for about $12 million (approx. £8.6 million), believed to be the first U.S. silver dollar ever struck.
- 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB on Wing) – Brought $9.36 million (approx. £6.7 million) in 2021, designed by famed silversmith Ephraim Brasher.
- 1822 Half Eagle – One of just three surviving, auctioned for $8.4 million (approx. £6 million).
- 1343 Edward III Florin – A medieval rarity valued at around $6.8 million (approx. £4.9 million).
Each of these coins proves that collectors are willing to pay extraordinary sums for history in their hands.
The Legacy of the World’s Most Expensive Coin
The 1933 Double Eagle is more than gold – it’s a symbol of America’s past, the Great Depression, and the transition away from the gold standard. Its journey includes politics, royalty, and legal drama, making it the ultimate coin collector’s dream.
For numismatists, it’s a reminder that behind every coin lies a story. Sometimes that story is worth nearly $19 million.
If this story has sparked your passion for collecting, we invite you to browse our website for the latest new coins, collectables, and stamps available today. Your next treasure might just be waiting for you.
