Commemoratives
The £2 Coins Celebrating the UK’s Quirkiest Traditions
From hilltop chaos to apron-clad pancake dashes, Britain has a proud history of gloriously eccentric customs — and in 2025, they’re finally getting the celebration they deserve. This year, a brand-new series of £2 coins shines a light on five of the most delightfully bizarre and brilliantly British traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer with a love for all things offbeat, this limited-edition coin release is your perfect slice of homegrown heritage.
A Tribute to Britain’s Quirky Heart
It’s no secret that Britain loves a good tradition — the weirder, the better. And now, this latest coin release captures that spirit in Sterling Silver and Brilliant Uncirculated brilliance. Introducing the British Traditions £2 Coin Collection: five intricately designed coins that pay homage to the eccentric events that make our national calendar so colourfully unique.
So, what’s in the £2 set?
Whether you’re collecting the gleaming Sterling Silver Proof edition, or the crisply detailed Brilliant Uncirculated version, both sets feature the same five wonderfully weird events:
🧀 Cheese Rolling (Gloucestershire)
Every year, brave (or mad?) participants fling themselves down the steep slopes of Cooper’s Hill chasing a runaway wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. The result? Tumbling chaos, bruised egos, and a tradition that could only be British.
🎀 Maypole Dancing
A throwback to our medieval roots, Maypole Dancing sees children and adults alike weaving coloured ribbons to the rhythm of folk music — a celebration of spring, community, and timeless tradition.
🔔 Morris Dancing
Jingling bells, clashing sticks, and vividly decorated costumes define this quintessential folk dance. Whether in village greens or market squares, Morris dancers embody the beating heart of traditional British celebration.
🍳 Pancake Racing (Olney)
Dating back to 1445, this tradition has apron-wearing competitors sprinting through the streets flipping pancakes mid-run. Why? Because Britain loves to turn the ordinary into the utterly extraordinary.
🎆 Bonfire Night
Guy Fawkes, fireworks, and fire-lit effigies: every 5th of November, Britain honours the failed Gunpowder Plot with a sparkling night of rebellion, remembrance, and roasted marshmallows.
Two Stunning Editions — But Only While Stocks Last
This unique collection comes in two finishes, both with their own appeal:
- 🥇 Sterling Silver Proof Set — Crafted in fine silver, each coin is selectively plated in 24-carat gold. With only 495 sets available worldwide, this is an elite, heirloom-quality tribute to Britain’s cultural curiosities.
- 🪙 Brilliant Uncirculated Set — Sharply struck with a pristine finish, this edition is limited to just 2,025 sets worldwide, offering a more accessible yet highly collectable way to enjoy these iconic designs.
Wonderfully Weird. Irresistibly British. Unmistakably Collectable.
At a time when British identity is being rediscovered and redefined, these coins offer a joyful reminder of what makes us unique. From folk festivals to fearless food-based sports, every coin in this set is a tiny masterpiece of nostalgia and national pride.
Whether you’re collecting for the artistry, the history, or simply for the love of the ludicrous, the Quirky British Traditions £2 Coin Collection is not to be missed.
Discover the full set and secure yours before they disappear faster than a pancake on Shrove Tuesday.
The Dambusters Raid: A Defining Moment of WWII History
In the dark early hours of May 16-17, 1943, a daring mission was underway—one that would change the course of the Second World War and etch the name “Dambusters” into military history.
Known as Operation Chastise, this audacious air raid targeted key German dams, aiming to cripple the industrial heartland of the Ruhr Valley. Now, over 80 years later, we continue to honour the courage and sacrifice of the men who took part in one of the most iconic operations of the Second World War.
What Was the Dambusters Raid?
Led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, 133 aircrew from the Royal Air Force’s newly formed 617 Squadron flew specially modified Lancaster bombers deep into enemy territory. Their mission: destroy the Möhne, Eder, and Sorpe dams using a revolutionary new weapon—the “bouncing bomb,” designed by British engineer Barnes Wallis.
These bombs skipped across the surface of the water, bypassing torpedo nets, before detonating against the dam walls. The operation was incredibly risky, requiring precise flying at just 60 feet above the water under heavy enemy fire. The result was devastating: the Möhne and Eder dams were breached, flooding the surrounding countryside and causing significant disruption to German industry.
Although the raid came at a cost—53 airmen lost their lives—the bravery and ingenuity displayed left an indelible mark on military history.
A Rare Chance to Own a Piece of Dambusters History
To commemorate this heroic operation, two remarkable collectors’ items have been released—perfect for any WWII enthusiast or collector.
The Dambusters 1943 Historic Collection
This stunning set features eight genuine circulating coins issued in 1943, the very same year as the Dambusters Raid. These coins are not replicas—they are authentic survivors of the war era, each carrying the legacy of a pivotal time in history.
Also included is a replica of the original Daily Telegraph newspaper from May 18, 1943, giving you a vivid snapshot of how the raid was reported to the public in its immediate aftermath.
Housed in a luxury presentation case, this collection is strictly limited to just 200 worldwide—making it a rare and highly sought-after addition to any collection. With 2025 marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, demand for wartime commemoratives like this is expected to soar.
The Official Dambusters 80th Anniversary £5 Coin
Released to mark the 80th anniversary of the raid, this official £5 coin has been authorised by Jersey and fully approved by Buckingham Palace. It’s an elegant tribute to the airmen and ground crews who participated in the mission, capturing the spirit of bravery and innovation that defined Operation Chastise.
Available exclusively from The Westminster Collection, this keepsake is yours for JUST £5 (+p&p) today when you trial the UK and British Isles £5 Coin Collection.
A Royal Milestone in Coinage: The Coat of Arms of His Majesty King Charles III
On 8 September 2022, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, His Majesty King Charles III acceded to the throne — a moment that marked both reflection and renewal for the British monarchy. Now, in 2025, a major numismatic milestone marks this new reign: the first UK coin to feature the Royal Coat of Arms of King Charles III.
More than just a design, the Royal Arms are a time-honoured symbol of monarchy and national authority — and this historic debut offers collectors a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a significant artefact of royal transition.
The Royal Arms Reimagined
For more than a thousand years, the Royal Arms have symbolised the authority, heritage, and continuity of the British Crown. Displayed on official state documents, courtrooms, government buildings, and even British passports, this heraldic emblem embodies the unity and sovereignty of the realm.
Image Credit: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
During Queen Elizabeth II’s reign (1952–2022), her Royal Arms were ever-present and, at times, even appeared on coinage. Yet, this is the first time the personal Royal Coat of Arms of King Charles III has featured on a UK coin, offering a powerful expression of royal continuity and modern monarchy.
The 2025 Coat of Arms £5 coin showcases a newly commissioned design by Timothy Noad, one of Britain’s most celebrated heraldic artists. His interpretation honours the enduring traditions of the monarchy while introducing elegant modern detail.
Key elements of the design include:
- The crowned shield, representing the nations of the UK
- The lion of England and unicorn of Scotland as noble supporters
- Heraldic flourishes symbolising duty, unity, and royal heritage
It is a timeless composition that reflects His Majesty’s lifelong commitment to tradition, the environment, and public service.
A History of Royal Arms on UK Coinage
While this is the first appearance of King Charles III’s Royal Arms, it joins a respected legacy of coinage bearing royal heraldry.
Under Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Arms first appeared on the inaugural £1 coin, introduced in 1983 to replace the paper £1 note. The design by Eric Sewell, then Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint, featured a stylised version of Her Late Majesty’s Arms and became one of the most recognisable modern coin motifs.
The Royal Arms £1 was issued in:
Right: The 2015 Royal Coat of Arms £1 was one of the last commemorative round pound designs
- 1983 – the very first year of the £1 coin
- 1993, 2003, and 2008 – each marking notable updates or anniversaries
In 2015, Timothy Noad was once again called upon to reimagine the Royal Arms for a commemorative issue of the round pound. Although that design did not enter circulation, it remains one of the last and most admired heraldic designs issued before the £1 coin was reshaped into its current 12-sided form.
The 2025 £5 release, therefore, represents not just a first for King Charles III, but also a historic continuation of the Royal Arms tradition on UK coinage — deeply valued by collectors with a passion for royal and constitutional heritage.
This historic debut is commemorated through an exceptional range of coins — each one a tribute to regal craftsmanship and British identity.
Why This Range Matters to Royal Collectors
- Commemorates a significant transition in the British monarchy
- Introduces the Royal Arms of King Charles III in official coinage for the first time
- Designs by Timothy Noad blend historic heraldry with refined modern artistry
- Every edition is produced to premium numismatic standards
- Rarity across the silver, Piedfort, and gold coins ensures high desirability and long-term collector value
Whether you’re a long-time royal enthusiast or a discerning investor in historic artefacts, the 2025 UK King Charles III Royal Arms coin range represents a landmark addition to your collection — and a tangible connection to the modern history of the Crown.