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The Olympic and Paralympic Coin Revolution – and how you can own them ready for 2024!
How long have you been collecting for?
If you’ve been building out your own collection over the past decade, you would’ve almost certainly heard of the collecting revolution that is Olympic and Paralympic Coins.
The London 2012 Olympic 50p Coins
Cast your mind back to 2012 – The London 2012 50p coin series consisted of 29 different designs, each representing a different Olympic event such as athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, and more, each designed to capture the essence of the respective sport.
These coins were released in batches throughout the years leading up to the Games, starting in 2009 and continuing until 2011. And out of the 29 million London Olympic and Paralympic 50p Coins that entered circulation, collectors managed to claim an astounding 75% of them!
This solidified their status as highly sought-after rarities…
In addition to the Olympic 50p coins, there were also two special 50p coins produced to celebrate the Paralympic Games, which took place in London immediately after the Olympics. These coins featured wheelchair rugby and goalball designs.
The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic £2 Coins
Fast forward to the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and as you can imagine, another collecting revolution took hold. Thousands of collectors scrambled to get their hands on the newly issued coins.
Just 16 circulating coins were issued for Rio 2016. It was an opportunity few people will ever have without travelling to Brazil themselves.
It’s become evident that collectors are eager to commemorate Olympic and Paralympic Games – events which are firmly stored in the history books, celebrating athletes who grace the world stage.
And as you may already know, the magic of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is set to unfold once more in Paris next year…
The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Coins
It’s been 100 years since Paris last hosted the Olympic Games, making the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games even more historically and culturally significant.
Thanks to our long standing relationship with La Monnaie de Paris, the official partners of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, The Westminster Collection are able to bring the specially released coins celebrating the event to collectors here in the UK.
We’ve been lucky enough to secure a small allocation of these coins, celebrating each sport in the games a year before they begin in Paris…
If previous demand is anything to go by, we expect thousands of collectors have been eagerly anticipating this release, seeking to build on their Olympic and Paralympic Coin collections.
Click here to find out more about the BRAND NEW Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Coins >>
New UK £2 released featuring Ada Lovelace
When you think of the original pioneers of computer science, names like Charles Babbage and Alan Turing might come to mind.
But what if we were to tell you that there was someone else who played a pivotal role in building the foundations of modern computing – Ada Lovelace.
Nicknamed ‘The Enchantress of Numbers’ by Charles Babbage himself, Ada Lovelace is the next innovator in science to be honoured on a brand-new UK £2.
First, let me take you back…
A Mathematical Talent
Ada Lovelace was born in Victorian England and quickly gained an interest in mathematics and science. At the age of just 18, Ada’s mathematical talent secured her a working position alongside ‘The Father of Computers’ himself, Charles Babbage.
This allowed Ada to focus her work on something revolutionary: Babbage’s Analytical Engine – the first ever computer.
A Visionary of the Computer Age
At the time, Charles Babbage and other scientists only focused on the numerical and calculating abilities of the famous Analytical Engine. But, Ada Lovelace had other ideas…
She was a critical thinker and knew that the computer had the possibility to go beyond number-crunching; she interpreted the machinery further than anyone else was even considering at the time…
Ultimately, she concluded that the Analytical Engine could manipulate more than just numbers. In fact, it could be used for letters, symbols, and most importantly – instructions.
This built the foundations of modern computing as we very know it.
Ada Lovelace’s revolutionary contributions were revealed to the industry in 1843 in the form of seven ‘Notes’. In these Notes, Lovelace provided comprehension, calculations and inputs about the machine and its abilities – resulting in her title as the first ever computer programmer.
And now, to honour such a revolutionary mindset, Ada Lovelace is being celebrated on a brand-new UK £2 coin.
The Ada Lovelace £2 Coin Range
Commemorating Ada’s contributions to computer science, she’s earnt herself a well-deserved place in The Royal Mint’s popular Innovation in Science coin series.
With a design that depicts the original punch cards that were used to programme the Analytical Engine, the coin’s reverse also reads a quote from Lovelace herself – “a discoverer of the hidden realities of nature”.
What’s more, this UK £2 coin range comes in a range of specifications…
From the collector’s favourite – Brilliant Uncirculated quality – to the stunning Silver Proof and Silver Piedfort specifications, there’s something for everyone.
But be warned – with extremely low edition limits and even less for Westminster Collectors, you’ll have to act fast to secure yours!
The Shortcut to an Iconic Silver Collection from Across the Globe
Silver Bullion coins have been a flagship contribution to numismatic history for generations, serving not only as a form of investment but also a piece of art, history, and culture.
Issued every year by the world’s most renowned Mints, a collection of Silver Bullion coins from across the globe is extremely hard to come by.
But today, The Westminster Collection are offering just 250 collectors worldwide the chance to secure a set of five 2023-dated 1oz Silver Bullion coins from the UK, U.S.A, South Africa, Australia, and Canada.
Read on to learn about the history of the 1oz Silver Bullion coin, what makes it so sought-after, and why this collection has taken years to create…
History of the Silver Bullion Coin
The history of Silver as a form of currency dates back to ancient civilizations. From the Greek drachma to the Roman denarius, Silver played a crucial role in shaping monetary systems across the globe.
In more recent times, the circulation of Silver coins was widespread in various countries. While the world has shifted away from Silver-based monetary systems, the legacy of Silver coins lives on through the modern Bullion coin.
The Britannia from The Royal Mint
The Silver Britannia coin, minted by The Royal Mint, holds a special place in numismatic history. It can be traced back to Roman times when the figure of Britannia personified Great Britain and its virtues.
The modern Silver Britannia coin, first issued in 1997, showcases the majestic image of Britannia as a symbol of strength, protection, and unity.
Each annual release features new and intricate designs, making it a true treasure for collectors. But, this exclusive collection houses the 2023-dated Silver Britannia, which happens to be the world’s first bullion coin to feature the official portrait of King Charles III.
The Krugerrand from the South African Mint
Stepping onto the African continent, we greet the iconic Krugerrand Bullion coin, which hails from the South African Mint.
Introduced in 1967, the Krugerrand was the world’s first modern Bullion coin. Initially minted in Gold, South Africa produced nearly 70% of Gold across the world during the 1960’s.
Silver editions shortly followed, and the Krugerrand’s widespread recognition and historical significance have made it one of the most sought-after coins among collectors worldwide.
The Kangaroo coin from The Perth Mint
Traveling all the way to Australia, we encounter the Kangaroo coin, minted by The Perth Mint. The Kangaroo series, first released in 1986, celebrates one of Australia’s most beloved and iconic creatures: the Kangaroo. Known for its unique design and exceptional purity, the Kangaroo coin is cherished for its representation of the vast Australian landscape and wildlife.
The Maple Leaf coin from The Royal Canadian Mint
Heading north to Canada, we encounter the renowned Maple Leaf coin, produced by The Royal Canadian Mint.
Launched in 1979 to compete with the Krugerrand while South Africa suffered economic sanctions, the Maple Leaf was the first Bullion coin to achieve 999.9 Fineness!
The Maple Leaf coin depicts Canada’s national symbol, a design which is synonymous with Canada’s flag, natural beauty and vibrant seasons.
The American Eagle coin from the United States Mint
Finally, we journey to the United States to explore the American Eagle coin – also regarded as the most popular coin in the world!
First crafted by the United States Mint in 1986, the Silver Eagle sold-out its entire 5,393,005 mintage in its first year of issue. Since then, this iconic coin has continued to break records, selling out of 91 million coins in 2014 and 2015.
Secure Your Iconic Silver Coins of the World Collection
Today, you can secure a collection of these five iconic Silver Bullion coins – which are all 2023-dated!
It is a collection that has taken years to create; such sought-after Silver coins from the world’s leading Mints aren’t easy to get hold of. Especially the brand-new issues.
In fact, just 250 collectors will have this rare opportunity, and it’s not one you want to miss…
Click here to secure your Iconic Silver Coins of the World Collection >>