Posts by Melissa Brannan
Why these are the most historic moments of the past year…
The first year of a new monarch’s reign is almost always the most important. It’s the one that sets the tone for their chapter in our history.
And as King Charles stepped into the shoes he was born to fill, certain moments from the past year captured the tone for the New Carolean Age brilliantly, with a mutual respect for tradition and adaptation to the modern world.
Indeed, these traditional roles of the King are so ingrained in our history that five new 50p coins have been issued with authorisation from King Charles III himself to mark the first time that each role has been carried out by King Charles.
Let’s take a look at what they are and why they’ve become so integral to British identity…
The Royal Maundy Service – 6th April 2023
This is an annual service held in the Church of England on Maundy Thursday, ahead of the Easter weekend. During the service the British monarch distributes small silver coins known as ‘Maundy money’ as symbolic alms to elderly recipients.
On 6th April 2023, in the beautiful York Minster, the King gave 74 men and 74 women two small purses each – one red and one white – each containing Maundy money.
Importantly, the number of recipients and the value of the coins within the white purse reflects the King’s age. While the red purse held two commemorative coins, one issued to mark his 75th birthday and one to mark the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation.
The Coronation – 6th May 2023
Now, we’ll all remember where we were on 6th May 2023, as the nation came together to witness the first Coronation in 70 years, with 20 million of us watching the live TV broadcast.
The crowning of a King or Queen is an ancient ceremony, rich in religious significance, history and pageantry.
A Coronation Liturgy (or Order of Service) was authorised by the Archbishop of Canterbury and produced in close consultation with the King and the UK Government and comprised both traditional and completely new elements.
Trooping the Colour – 17th June 2023
Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial event performed every year on Horse Guards Parade in London by regiments of the Household Division, to celebrate the official birthday of the British Sovereign. This ancient ceremony has occurred since 1748 and is the highlight of the military ceremonial calendar.
King Charles III led the way on horseback with Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward also on horseback behind him.
The colour trooped in 2023 was that of The Welsh Guards for the first time in 30 years.
The Garter Service – 19th June 2023
In medieval times, King Edward III was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he set up his own group of honourable knights, called the Order of the Garter.
Today, the Order includes The King, several senior members of the Royal Family, and twenty-four knights, chosen in recognition of their work. In 2023 two new members of the Order of the Garter were appointed by the King – Chris Patten, the final governor of Hong Kong, and former Labour minister Catherine Ashton.
Every June, a grand procession of the knights takes place at Windsor Castle, accompanied by a marching band and Officers of the Order, all in grand ceremonial dress.
The State Opening of Parliament – 7th November 2023
“His Majesty’s most gracious speech to both Houses of Parliament” marks the beginning of a new parliamentary year.
The speech sets out the programme of legislation that the Government intend to pursue in the forthcoming parliamentary session.
Importantly, the 2023 State Opening of Parliament was held much later in the year than usual due to the Coronation in May.
These moments will go down in history as the first in the reign of King Charles III, and the most important British traditions upheld in 2023.
That’s why all 5 moments have been immortalised further on five official 50p coins which will remain highly collectable long after this chapter in our history is closed.
Click here to shop the King Charles III Inaugural Year Range
Celebrating the inaugural year of King Charles III
6th May 2023 saw the country united in joy and renewed hope for the future of British monarchy as we witnessed the first Coronation in 70 years. Since then, King Charles III has set the tone for his reign with a wonderful mix of tradition, humour, and adaptation to the modern world.
Indeed, history is being written before our eyes, as a man steps into the shoes he was born to fill.
And to commemorate this period of great change, a series of 50p coins have been issued under authorisation from Buckingham Palace and King Charles III himself.
Here’s how you can own one, for yourself or for generations to come…
Collector’s Choice: Limited Edition Dual-Plated 50p Collection
This stunning collection features 10 brand new 50p coins charting the most important firsts in the reign of King Charles III and the world-famous Royal Mews.
Each coin is struck to a BU finish and features dual-plating of silver and 24 carat gold – a SELL-OUT specification reserved for royal 50p releases in recent years. Just 29,995 dual-plated 50p collections have been authorised for release.
Re-capture the joy of collecting as you receive a new dual-plated 50p each month for just £24.99 (+p&p). And when you trial the collection today you’ll SAVE £20.00 on the very first coin – yours for just £4.99 (+p&p).
We’re confident you’ll love watching your collection grow, but if not, you’re covered by your 30-Day Money Back Guarantee and there’s no obligation to continue collecting. So what have you got to lose?
Click here to Own the FIRST Dual-Plated 50p for just £4.99(+p&p)
Classic BU Pack Presentation
From Trooping the Colour to the State Opening of Parliament, this set features five 50p coins commemorating the most significant, traditional events in King Charles III’s inaugural year.
Each coin is struck to a BU finish and housed in a classic collector pack.
Click here to get yours for just £37.50 (+p&p)
Time-Sealed Silver DateStamp™ Pair – 995 worldwide
This special DateStamp™ Pair is the perfect time-sealed commemorative celebrating the first year of the reign of King Charles III.
Featuring the Official British Isles Coronation 50p and the Official British Isles Inaugural Year 50p, each coin is struck from Sterling Silver to a pristine Proof finish.
Importantly, each 50p is paired with a 1st class stamp and has been officially postmarked by Royal Mail on the date of the Coronation and the 1 year anniversary – 6th May 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Due to the one-day-only nature of both postmarks, no more of these historic DateStamp™ Pairs can ever be issued. And with just 995 worldwide, we’re expecting a sell-out before we reach the anniversary of the Coronation.
Secure one today with an initial interest-free instalment of just £15.50 (+p&p)
Premium Pick: Silver Proof 50p Set – pay just £37.50 today
These stunning Silver Proof 50p coins with intricate 24 carat gold-plating are the premium pick and a timeless way to commemorate this period of our history. However, they won’t be around for long…
1. A SELL OUT Specification – From the UK NHS 50p to the recent 50p paying tribute to the work of the RNLI, Silver Proof 50p coins are always in high demand and the sets have a strong sell out history.
2. Struck to PERFECTION – Each coin has been struck from Sterling Silver to a pristine Proof finish with the addition of intricate 24 carat gold-plating to bring the designs to life.
3. Issued with a TINY EDITION LIMIT – just 750 sets have been authorised for worldwide release. That almost certainly won’t meet demand.
What’s more, this prestigious set can be yours with 10 interest-free instalments of just £37.50(+p&p).
Click here to secure your King Charles III Inaugural Year Silver Proof Set
We can’t overestimate the historic significance of a change in the tide of British monarchy. We are living through a period that will be remembered in history books and immortalised on official coinage.
Be part of the story and secure your King Charles III Inaugural Year commemorative coin today.
A closer look: the best way to celebrate YOUR Patron Saint this year…
The stories of our Patron Saints are rooted in history, legend, and faith; and yet the annual feast days have evolved to become something of a national celebration year after year.
And last week’s new British Isles 50p release reminded us just how important these symbols of our national identity still are.
Shop the Patron Saints 50p range
Here’s my rundown of the different ways you can still own the sought-after Patron Saints 50p coins:
The Complete Patron Saints Colour BU 50p Set
Featuring all five new 50p coins – St George of England, St Patrick of Ireland, St David of Wales, St Andrew of Scotland and St Helier of issuing country, Jersey – this beautiful set is the collector favourite.
Each coin is struck to a Brilliant Uncirculated finish and features intricate, selective colour application to bring the design to life with nods to each nation’s heritage.
The presentation is limited to just 995 worldwide – that’s more than twice as limited as the standard Brilliant Uncirculated presentation which sold out in a matter of days.
Click here to own the Patron Saints Colour BU 50p Set
The Patron Saints of Great Britain Silver Proof 50p Set
For those looking for something even more exclusive, a set of 4 Silver Proof 50p coins has been issued with a strict worldwide edition limit of just 495.
In true minting mastery, St George, St Patrick, St David and St Andrew have been selectively plated in 24 carat gold, making this a truly stunning way to own these new coins.
Click here to secure your Silver Proof 50p Set
Own a time-sealed 50p celebrating YOUR Patron Saint
And if you want to own a limited edition, time-sealed 50p honouring your Patron Saint exclusively, there are two stunning presentations with official on-the-day postmarks by Royal Mail.
That’s right, the St George, St Patrick and St David Brilliant Uncirculated 50p coins have been paired with a 1st Class Country Definitive Stamp and postmarked with that Saint’s Feast Day in a beautiful cover presentation – each limited to just 500.
And again, for those looking for a more premium time-sealed commemorative – the St George and St Patrick Silver Proof 50p coins have been issued in a DateStamp™ capsule which you can pre-order today.
The World’s First St. George 50p – struck from 5 ounces of pure silver
Now let me finish with the masterpiece.
The Westminster Collection are taking commissions for a special Five Ounce Silver Proof 50p featuring St George of England.
As the face of the UK Sovereign for over 200 years, it’s astonishing that a George and the Dragon 50p didn’t exist before today.
And that’s why the response to the whole range has been remarkable.
Impressively, the 5oz Silver Proof 50p is DOUBLE the diameter of a regular 50p coin and almost 20 times heavier – a true collection centrepiece.
But due to the difficulty in achieving a perfect strike of a coin like this, an edition limit of just 250 has been agreed with the mint. And with commissions already coming in, you won’t have long to secure yours.
Find out more about the St George Silver Proof 5oz 50p
So, whether you’re proud to be English, Irish, Scottish or Welsh, this range celebrates the strength and legacy of each nation individually, and the unique unity of the British Isles as a whole.
Shop the entire Patron Saints range
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day later in the year? Sign up to be kept up to date with St Andrew’s Day commemoratives.