Why Collect Coins? A Journey Through History and Discovery
At The Westminster Collection, we believe coin collecting is more than owning money – it’s about uncovering history, geography, economics, and even politics. Every coin carries a story. From Roman emperors to modern commemoratives, coins record the journey of civilisation. When you hold a coin, you’re holding a piece of history.
How to Begin – Right From Your Pocket!
The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to start. Just reach into your pocket or purse. Everyday coins – pennies, pounds, and the occasional special edition 50p – are more than loose change. They’re miniature snapshots of our national story.
💡 Tip from our experts: Start with everyday UK coins – you might be surprised how quickly your collection grows.
What Can You Collect?
Once you’ve caught the collecting bug, the possibilities are endless. Some collectors focus on pre-decimal coins, others on gold sovereigns or Roman relics. Many enjoy commemorative issues celebrating historic events and anniversaries.
The beauty of this hobby? You collect what you want, when you want. Whether it’s building a themed set or chasing rare finds, we’ll help guide your journey.
Why Trust The Westminster Collection
Since 1987, we’ve been one of the UK’s leading coin specialists, helping collectors at every stage.
When you buy with us, you’ll enjoy:
- Exclusive pre-releases you won’t find anywhere else
- Guaranteed authenticity with every coin
- Collector-friendly benefits like interest-free credit and a 30-day return policy
With our expertise and assurance, you can collect with confidence.
Your Journey Begins
Whether you start with spare change or hunt down ancient treasures, coin collecting offers a lifetime of learning and discovery.
This is just the beginning. In the next part of our series, we’ll explore how to grow your collection and spot valuable finds.
👉 Subscribe to our updates to make sure you don’t miss Part II: Building Your Collection.
Portraits of a Queen: Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II with the 2026 Mary Gillick £5 Coin
In 2026, the United Kingdom will honour 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II. Across her record-breaking reign of seven decades, Her Late Majesty became one of the most enduring and celebrated monarchs in British history.
Now, The Royal Mint has unveiled the Portraits of a Queen Collection, a landmark series of £5 coins that revisit the five definitive effigies of Queen Elizabeth II that appeared on UK coinage throughout her reign.
The Mary Gillick Portrait – A Symbol of a New Era
The collection begins with the Mary Gillick portrait, designed in 1952 after the Queen’s accession. First seen on coins in 1953, this youthful depiction showed the new monarch wearing a laurel wreath, reflecting optimism and renewal at the dawn of a new Elizabethan era.
For this release, the portrait has been expertly remastered by Gordon Summers, Chief Engraver at The Royal Mint. His work ensures that the elegance and historical significance of Gillick’s design is preserved for collectors today.
Editions for Collectors
Whether you are a dedicated numismatist or a Royal enthusiast, the 2026 Mary Gillick £5 coin offers editions to suit every type of collection:
Silver Piedfort Proof £5
- Struck in Sterling Silver to Proof standard
- Double the weight and thickness of the standard Silver Proof coin
- Extremely limited – just 1,500 issued worldwide
- Obverse features the official coinage portrait of King Charles III, symbolically uniting mother and son
Brilliant Uncirculated £5 Coin Pack
- Struck to Brilliant Uncirculated standard, superior to circulating coinage
- Presented in official Royal Mint packaging
- Accessible price point at £17.50 (+p&p), ideal for collectors beginning their journey
Gold Proof Editions
- Premium Proof coins available in gold and silver
- Accompanied by bespoke presentation packaging exploring the Mary Gillick portrait
The gold proof edition is incredibly rare, and we are lucky enough to acquire it for our collectors. In fact, you won’t even find it on The Royal Mint’s website.
Why This Collection Matters
The Portraits of a Queen Collection is more than just a coin series — it’s a tribute to the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Over seven decades, five portraits told the story of her reign, marking her journey from youthful queen to Britain’s longest-serving monarch.
Key features of the series include:
- The first release in a five-coin collection honouring Queen Elizabeth II’s official portraits
- Coins remastered by Gordon Summers for modern collectors
- Availability in multiple editions for different collecting preferences
- Official Royal Mint packaging and informative booklets included
The 2026 Mary Gillick £5 coin offers collectors a unique opportunity to begin this historic collection with a design that symbolises the very start of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. From the accessible Brilliant Uncirculated edition to the highly exclusive Silver Piedfort Proof, this release represents a piece of history to cherish for generations.
For coin collectors, Royal Mint enthusiasts, and admirers of the Queen’s legacy, this is the perfect way to celebrate Her Majesty’s centenary and secure the first chapter in the Portraits of a Queen Collection.
The Chinese Lunar Year £5 Coin Series – The Shēngxiào Collection
Like so many ancient traditions, the origin stories of the Chinese Zodiac vary. Some say that the Buddha called on animals to help mankind and only twelve responded. Others say a Great Race was held to determine which animal would be placed in the zodiac for eternity.
The Royal Mint are celebrating each animal on the Zodiac calendar with their Lunar Year Shēngxiào Collection £5 series – a collection that has become a cornerstone for UK coin collectors.
✨ Latest Release: 2026 – Year of the Horse £5
The Year of the Horse is here! On 17 February 2026, celebrations will begin across the world to welcome the Lunar New Year. Families will gather for feasts, fireworks will light the skies, and children will receive traditional red envelopes filled with lucky money.
To celebrate this the Royal Mint have just released the very first 2026-dated coins in a brand new range. The new release features the Horse, a powerful and spirited symbol in the Chinese Zodiac. Associated with strength, vitality, and independence, those born under this sign are known for their courage, optimism, and quick wit. With their energetic and pioneering spirit, they are natural trailblazers.
The 2026 UK Year of the Horse £5 coin is a stunning addition to the Shēngxiào Collection.
- Design: Artist William Webb has captured an athletic thoroughbred, standing proudly against the cobblestones of an early eighteenth-century stable block. The composition perfectly blends Chinese cultural symbolism with British heritage.
- Key Features:
- Part of The Royal Mint’s ongoing Shēngxiào Collection
- Features original artwork designed especially for the reverse
👉 Click here to secure your 2026 Lunar Year of the Horse £5 Coin today >>
Previous Lunar Year Coins
2025 – Year of the Snake £5
The 2025 release of the series celebrated the wisest of the zodiac animals, the Snake, a symbol of intelligence, adaptability, and determination.
Designer Chris Costello depicted the Snake gliding gracefully through grass, its intricately engraved scales catching the light, blending elegance with mystique.
2024 – Year of the Dragon £5
No longer available at The Mint
The Year of the Dragon coin was the first to feature King Charles III on the obverse. The Dragon, China’s most iconic cultural symbol, represents confidence, courage, and intelligence.
Designer William Webb crafted an intricate design that brought the Dragon’s flowing form and power to life.
2023 – Year of the Rabbit £5
No longer available at The Mint
The Rabbit, the luckiest of the zodiac animals, symbolises gentleness, compassion, and kindness.
Designer Louie Maryon portrayed the Rabbit poised elegantly, accompanied by the Chinese character for Rabbit and the year ‘2023’.
2022 – Year of the Tiger £5
No longer available at The Mint
The Tiger is known as the “King of the Beasts”, representing bravery, adventure, and confidence.
Designer David Lawrence depicted the Tiger in a proud, powerful stance, with the Chinese character for Tiger alongside it.
2021 – Year of the Ox £5
No longer available at The Mint
The Ox symbolises strength, patience, and perseverance.
Designer Harry Brockway set the Ox in a rural countryside scene, highlighting its muscular power and calm presence.
2020 – Year of the Rat £5
No longer available at The Mint
The first coin in the Shēngxiào Collection to be struck in Brilliant Uncirculated quality.
Associated with resourcefulness and agility, the Rat was depicted by designer P.J. Lynch sniffing the air in an alert, inquisitive pose.
The Chinese Zodiac – What Animal Are You?
There are twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac, each with its own symbolic meaning:
- Rat: quick-witted, smart, persuasive
- Ox: patient, kind, trustworthy
- Tiger: courageous, adventurous, brave
- Rabbit: gentle, compassionate, lucky
- Dragon: powerful, fearless, charismatic
- Snake: wise, intelligent, adaptable
- Horse: independent, energetic, pioneering
- Sheep: shy, kind, peace-loving
- Monkey: fun, active, energetic
- Rooster: hardworking, practical, observant
- Dog: loyal, generous, diligent
- Pig: tolerant, loving, appreciative of luxury
Which animal are you? Do you match the traits of your zodiac sign? Let us know in the comments below!
A Collection That Grows Each Year
The UK Lunar Year £5 Series is an ongoing celebration of culture, tradition, and artistry. Each year, The Royal Mint unveils a new addition to the Shēngxiào Collection, ensuring collectors can look forward to a fresh design and story that ties into the rich symbolism of the Chinese Zodiac.