British History
Just released: Journey through the legacy of James Bond…
The Royal Mint have officially released a brand-new series of coins, taking collectors on a journey through an incredible legacy of cinematic history.
From the 60s, all the way through the noughties to present day, the new seven-coin series features none other than the suave and sophisticated, James Bond.
The 60’s
The first coin starts us off in the swinging 60s, with ‘You Only Live Twice’. The classic gun sight background and iconic 007 logo adorns the reverse, alongside an excellent depiction of autogyro ‘Little Nellie’ and Sean Connery’s adaptation of James Bond in the driver’s seat.
The Edition Limit
The Silver Proof edition of this coin – by far the most popular with collectors – has an edition limit of just 4,007 (do you see what they did there?). Now, let me put this into perspective…
In 2020, The Royal Mint released three, 1oz Silver Coins for James Bond – the first of its kind – each with an edition limit of 7,007 coins. All three coins completely sold out.
These coins are now highly desired by collectors. In fact, securing them on the secondary market can be a real chore given the scarcity and collectability of any piece of Bond memorabilia.
So, with an edition limit that is almost HALF that of the sell-out coins, these new coins are virtually guaranteed to be snapped up.
How you can secure yours
Should you wish to secure the limited Silver Proof version of this coin, or perhaps the Brilliant Uncirculated coin in official Royal Mint packaging, you can click here >>
What’s more, by securing your coin today you can be added to the Priority List, which will give you priority access to all future coins in ‘Decades of Bond £5 coin series’…
Celebrating King Charles III’s 75th Birthday with The Royal Mint
In January 2023, The Royal Mint unveiled the King Charles III 75th Birthday £5 coin as part of the Annual Sets. It was extremely popular and sold out of all its limited-edition specifications.
Since then, collectors have waited for this coin to be individually released ahead of the celebrations. And today, The Royal Mint have issued this coin in a range of specifications just days before His Majesty’s birthday.
Read on to find out why this coin has been so highly anticipated, the celebrations surrounding the King’s special day, and how you can secure the new coin in an exclusive presentation…
His Majesty’s 75th Birthday: 14th November 2023
On the 14th of November 2023, His Majesty King Charles III will celebrate his 75th birthday.
After a year of remarkable feats – acceding the throne, celebrating his Coronation – King Charles III’s 75th birthday is another significant milestone.
In fact, it is the first time in over 200 years that a reigning British King has celebrated his 75th birthday, so celebrations are planned across the UK to match the grandeur of the occasion.
The Prince’s Foundation, King Charles III’s educational charity established in 1986, is hosting celebratory events at Highgrove Gardens and Dumfries House for organisations and individuals also celebrating their 75th birthday in 2023.
People born in 1948 – the same year as the King – have the chance to be nominated and invited to the event, where they will enjoy live music, afternoon tea and dancing.
The UK 2023 King Charles III 75th Birthday £5 Coin Range
In a gesture to honour this remarkable milestone, The Royal Mint have released a stunning coin range to mark the 75th birthday of King Charles III.
Not only do you have the chance to secure the new coin in Brilliant Uncirculated, Silver Proof, or Silver Piedfort quality, you can also be one of the few collectors to own something even more limited…
Here at The Westminster Collection, we have worked hard to create extra special postmarked commemoratives to honour this celebration.
But what is a postmarked product?
In this case, it means the new £5 coin has been paired alongside a Royal Mail stamp and official one-day-only postmark, capturing this moment in time.
Whether it’s the BU £5 housed in a coin & stamp cover, a limited DateStamp™ presentation, or even postmarked alongside nine-1948 dated coins, there is something for everyone.
But edition limits are smaller than that of the Silver and Piedfort specifications, so demand is expected to be high.
In fact, each one has been postmarked by Royal Mail on the official date of His Majesty’s birthday: 14th November 2023, meaning no more can ever be made.
Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate.
Witness a Historic Royal First by the Sovereign!
The brand-new UK 2024 Sovereign has just been revealed by the Royal Mint.
But what is the Sovereign?
When it comes to coins, few carry the weight of history and prestige quite like the Sovereign. From its humble beginnings in the late 15th century to its role as a symbol of British monetary stability and the grandeur of the British Empire, the story of the Sovereign coin is a fascinating journey through time. Join us as we explore the captivating history of this iconic gold coin in the video below.
The Birth of a Regal Coin:
The story of the Sovereign coin begins in 1489 during the reign of King Henry VII. This remarkable coin was aptly named the “Sovereign” and carried a face value of one pound. It featured a regal portrait of the reigning monarch on one side and the royal coat of arms on the other. This early version of the Sovereign set the stage for the coin’s enduring legacy.
The Tudor Period and Fluctuating Fortunes:
During the Tudor period, the Sovereign coin went through a series of changes in size and design. It was minted under various monarchs and experienced periods of discontinuation and revival, reflecting the turbulent political and economic landscape of the time.
The Great Recoinage of 1816:
The real turning point in the history of the Sovereign coin came during the reign of King George III. In 1816, a momentous event known as the Great Recoinage took place in the United Kingdom. It was here that the Sovereign received its iconic design featuring St. George slaying the dragon, a masterful creation by the Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. This marked the resurgence of the Sovereign as a symbol of British monetary stability and the reach of the British Empire.
A Star in the Gold Standard:
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the British Sovereign played a starring role in the international gold standard. Under this system, currencies were linked to a fixed quantity of gold, and Sovereigns were internationally recognised and accepted. They were both a symbol of British power and a vehicle for international trade.
The End of an Era:
The golden age of the Sovereign coin gradually faded with the dawn of the 20th century. The upheaval of World War I and the changing global economic landscape saw the United Kingdom officially abandon the gold standard in 1931. Gold coins, including the Sovereign, ceased to circulate.
A Collector’s Treasure:
Though no longer in everyday use, the Sovereign coin remains a beloved and coveted item among collectors and investors alike. The Royal Mint continues to produce gold Sovereigns in various designs and sizes, making it a timeless piece of numismatic history.
This years production of the 2024 Sovereign combines Pistrucci’s timeless design with the official coinage portrait of King Charles III, meticulously created by Martin Jennings, for the first time ever.
