New Issues
Honouring Dorothy Wilding: The Visionary Behind Queen Elizabeth II’s Iconic Portraits
Dorothy Wilding, a name synonymous with timeless elegance and photographic mastery, played a significant role in shaping the image of one of the world’s most recognised monarchs: Queen Elizabeth II. Known for her simple yet striking photographic style, Wilding’s portraits of the Queen became the foundation for a new era of royal imagery.
In early 1952, just twenty days after Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, Wilding was granted the honour of conducting the first official photographic sitting. The Queen’s new role demanded an image that would grace coins, banknotes, and stamps, becoming a lasting symbol of her reign. Wilding, already experienced as a royal photographer, had previously captured official portraits at King George VI’s Coronation in 1937 and had been awarded the first Royal Warrant for a female photographer in 1943.
On February 26, 1952, Wilding photographed the young Queen wearing magnificent Norman Hartnell gowns and royal jewelry, such as the Diamond Diadem and the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. With an elegant simplicity, she utilized plain black and white backdrops, drawing all attention to the poise and grace of her subject. Out of the fifty-nine images taken during that session, one particular portrait became an icon. This three-quarter bust image of the Queen was selected for the 2½ pence stamp, released for the 1953 Coronation. The first stamp to depict Elizabeth II featured this portrait, and these stamps became commonly known as “Wildings.” The Queen’s head is turned slightly towards the viewer in a three-quarter profile, adding to the elegance of Wilding’s work.
For the ½d, 1d, 1½d, and 2d value stamps, the portrait was adorned with a decorative floral design created by Enid Marx. When we say a stamp has a value in “d,” this means its value in pennies. For example The notation “1½d” refers to one and a half (1.5) old pence. The “d” stands for “denarius,” a term used in pre-decimal British currency to denote pennies. Before 1971, the UK used pounds, shillings, and pence, with 12 pennies to the shilling and 20 shillings to the pound, totaling 240 pence in each pound. The currency change in the 1970s, known as decimalisation, significantly impacted stamps.
The stamps featuring this iconic portrait remained in circulation until 1971, and the photograph itself was hung in British Embassies around the world. Wilding’s work not only captured the Queen’s regal aura but also set a precedent for how the monarchy was represented on currency and official memorabilia. Her artistry continues to be celebrated and remembered as a key component of Britain’s visual heritage.
Introducing the Dorothy Wilding Silver Commemorative and Postage Stamp Set
To honour the legacy of Dorothy Wilding and her contribution to royal history, we are excited to present the First Dorothy Wilding Silver Commemorative and original postage stamp set. This exclusive offering celebrates the artistry of Wilding and the iconic image of Queen Elizabeth II that shaped an era.
This set features a beautifully designed half-ounce pure silver commemorative, adorned with an officially licensed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Dorothy Wilding. The striking image is courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, London, and reflects the timeless elegance that made Wilding’s photographs so celebrated. The commemorative captures the Queen’s grace and the iconic simplicity of Wilding’s style, making it a collector’s treasure.
Accompanying the commemorative is an authentic Dorothy Wilding postage stamp, carefully selected from the 1952–1968 period. These stamps, available in vibrant colours and various denominations, offer a glimpse into the era when Wilding’s portraits of the Queen became a part of everyday British life.
But a limited quantity of just 250 sets being released this year, you will need to be quick to secure yours before they are all gone.
This exclusive collectible not only commemorates the artistry of Wilding but also celebrates the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Each set includes a Certificate of Authenticity, affirming its place in history and the prestige of owning such a meaningful piece of royal heritage.
The Dragonfly and the Bloom Fine Silver Proof Coin: A Touch of Magic
Imagine capturing the beauty of a dragonfly hovering over a bloom on a sunny day. The Dragonfly and the Bloom Fine Silver Proof Coin brings this enchanting scene to life with an interactive design that lets you experience nature’s elegance every time you hold it.
A Coin That Moves With You
This 2024 movement coin features a gyroscopic design—tilt the coin, and the dragonfly circles around the golden bloom! Crafted from sterling silver and plated in yellow gold, the dragonfly and bloom are meticulously detailed to evoke sunlit warmth. The bloom’s center sparkles with a clear crystal, mimicking a dew drop glistening in sunlight.
Exceptional Realism and Golden Details
The coin’s intricate engraving draws viewers into a serene moment: ripples spread across the mirror-like “water” surface, with delicate water droplets adding depth. Both the dragonfly and bloom are cast in 3D and plated in yellow gold, but subtle variations in the finish enhance the realism. The inward curves of the flower petals soften the light, while the dragonfly’s wings and body shine brightly, catching the light in a way that beautifully contrasts with the bloom.
With 5 oz. of 99.99% pure silver and a generous 65.25mm diameter, the coin provides an expansive canvas. The backdrop depicts lily pads floating on rippling water, all polished to a beautiful proof finish. Each coin is truly a miniature work of art.
Limited and Exclusive
Only 1,250 of these coins were minted, and with the Royal Canadian Mint sold out, just 50 are available exclusively to UK collectors through Westminster. Each coin comes on a wooden base under a protective dome, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Secure yours with a deposit of just £82.50 and bring a piece of magic to your collection.
Embrace this enchanting piece and hold onto its beauty all year round!
The World of Harry Potter UK 50p Coin Series ⚡
The Royal Mint has released a spellbinding collection of UK 50p coins capturing some of the most cherished aspects in the World of Harry Potter. This collection spans across two exciting series, celebrating Harry’s journey, friendships, and pivotal moments in a way only the artistry of coin design could achieve.
LATEST RELEASE – UK Harry Potter & the Flying Car 50p
The Royal Mint have just released a brand-new UK Silver Proof 50p coin celebrating the iconic moment in the ‘Chamber of Secrets’ where Harry and Ron get stuck on platform 9 ¾ until the trusty Weasley flying car comes to the rescue.
Soaring high above Hogwarts, the strictly limited Silver Proof edition of this coin is finished with spectacular colour to bring the car to life…
Previous Harry Potter 50p coins…
Click ‘MORE INFO’ on each coin above to find out more about each individual release.
Series 2 (Most Recent)
Series 2 of The World of Harry Potter 50p series explores themes of courage, loyalty, and adventure, spotlighting unforgettable moments from Harry’s journey. Crafted by Bella Biggs at The Royal Mint, each coin captures the spirit of teamwork and bravery at the heart of Harry’s story.
The Black Lake
The second in Series 2 takes us to the intense world of the Triwizard Tournament from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The coin’s design portrays Harry underwater during the Black Lake challenge, where he must summon all his courage to rescue his friends. Available in both Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated editions, this intricately detailed coin beautifully illustrates Harry’s bravery in one of his most daunting challenges. The silver Proof editions add a special layer of colour, making it a standout piece for fans and collectors alike. Importantly, the gold proof edition is now fully reserved at the Mint, so the opportunities to secure the Black Lake 50p for your collection are becoming increasingly limited.
The Winged Key Challenge
The very first coin in Series 2 pays tribute to the friendships that shape Harry’s journey. Featuring the iconic Winged Key challenge, the coin depicts Harry on a broomstick, reaching for the elusive key that will allow him, Ron, and Hermione to protect the Philosopher’s Stone. Bella Biggs’ stylised design brings this moment of teamwork to life, celebrating Harry’s unbreakable bond with his friends. This coin is available in a range of editions, including gold and silver Proof, and also features select editions with vibrant colour printing.
Series 1
Series 1 commemorates the roots of Harry’s story, with each coin based on the original illustrations by Jim Kay, whose work on the illustrated editions of Harry Potter has brought new depth and detail to these cherished tales.
(Special Note) Each coin in this series includes a special 25th anniversary lenticular feature.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The fourth and final coin in Series 1 transports us to the heart of the wizarding world—Hogwarts itself. The beautiful portrayal of the school is steeped in detail, capturing its iconic turrets and towers, beloved by fans. This coin marks the second in the series to feature King Charles III’s effigy. Struck in a range of specifications and all coming in special Royal Mint packaging, complete with bespoke artwork celebrating the magic of Hogwarts.
Professor Dumbledore
The third coin in Series 1 honours Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts’ revered headmaster, symbolising wisdom and courage. This was the first Harry Potter 50p coin to feature King Charles III’s effigy, establishing the dual-portrait theme. The coin includes a special lenticular feature—a unique addition for UK 50ps—a fan favourite was the addition of colour, showcasing Dumbledore with Jim Kay’s artwork in incredible detail. With only 15,000 silver Proof coins available, this release is as exclusive as it is magical.
Hogwarts Express
This coin celebrates the Hogwarts Express, the train that whisks young wizards from Platform 9¾ to Hogwarts. The edge of the Silver Proof edition is inscribed with ‘PLATFORM NINE AND THREE-QUARTERS,’ echoing the first step Harry takes into the wizarding world. This enchanting design is available across a variety of specifications, including the Proof, gold Proof, and Brilliant Uncirculated editions.
Harry Potter
The series begins, as it should, with the boy who started it all. This first coin in Series 1 features Harry Potter himself, drawn from Jim Kay’s iconic artwork that brought Harry to life for a new generation. With the edge inscription ‘HARRY POTTER – THE BOY WHO LIVED!’ on the Silver Proof edition, it’s a powerful homage to the story’s central figure and the journey that has captivated readers for 25 years.
A Magical Collection
Each coin is available in multiple specifications, from the Brilliant Uncirculated to the limited edition silver and gold Proof versions, with select coins also offered in colour. The Harry Potter 50p series offers collectors a chance to commemorate the magic of the Harry Potter series through an exquisite collection of coins that honour the characters, places, and moments that have shaped generations.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a collector of remarkable coinage, The World of Harry Potter 50p series brings a touch of enchantment to any collection. So why not embark on a new adventure and celebrate the boy wizard’s world in a way that can be treasured for generations to come?