Posts Tagged ‘£2 Coin’
Discover the 2025 Annual Sets
As we welcome 2025, there’s no better way to mark the occasion than with The official brand new 2025 Annual Sets — a stunning collection of coins celebrating the people, places, and events that have shaped British history. Each coin captures a defining moment, bringing history to life in a way that feels more meaningful than ever at this time of year.
Available on 2nd January 2025
Here’s a closer look at the stories behind these commemorative coins:
Marking the Birth of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother is celebrated for her steadfast resilience and unwavering support during some of the most challenging times in British history, including the Second World War. As a pillar of strength to her husband, George VI, and her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, her influence spanned over a century. The £5 coin dedicated to her features a reverse design with a portrait that previously graced the coin celebrating her 80th birthday in 1980—a timeless tribute to her enduring legacy.
200 Years of the Modern Railway
On 27 September 1825, George Stephenson’s Locomotion No. 1 revolutionised travel by transporting hundreds of passengers between Shildon, Darlington, and Stockton. This historic journey not only marked the dawn of the railway age but also transformed industries and cultures worldwide. The £2 coin commemorating this milestone captures the essence of that pivotal moment with a reverse design depicting Locomotion No. 1, paired with the edge inscription, “ACTIVE · LOCOMOTION NO 1.” This coin serves as a tribute to two centuries of innovation and progress in rail travel.
350 Years of The Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Founded in 1675 by Charles II, the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, has been a beacon of scientific progress, defining global navigation and timekeeping. The £2 coin commemorates its 350th anniversary with a reverse design that integrates the Shepherd Gate Clock, the constellation Ursa Minor, Polaris, and the iconic meridian line against a globe backdrop. Its edge inscription, “PERFECTING THE ART OF NAVIGATION,” underscores the Observatory’s enduring legacy.
Celebrating the Red Arrows
Since their inception in 1964, the Red Arrows have dazzled millions with their breath-taking aerobatic displays. Representing the precision and agility of the Royal Air Force, the team has performed nearly 5,000 displays across 57 countries. The 50p coin celebrating the Red Arrows features the sleek Hawk T1 aircraft, a tribute to the team’s inspiring legacy and their continued excellence in aviation.
Remembering the Stories of the Second World War
The Second World War was a defining chapter in British history, with contributions from soldiers, factory workers, and citizens alike. The 50p coin honours this collective effort with a reverse design showcasing the 1939–45 Star, Defence Medal, and War Medal—symbols of the bravery and resilience demonstrated during the war. Each medal tells a story of personal sacrifice and national unity that shaped the Britain we know today.
The Obverse: His Majesty King Charles III
Every coin in the 2025 Annual Sets bears the official coinage portrait of His Majesty King Charles III. Designed by Martin Jennings in 2022, this is the first definitive coinage portrait of
His Majesty The King to appear on coins, symbolising the continuity of the monarchy and the evolving story of the United Kingdom.
A Testament to British History and Craftsmanship
Each coin is meticulously crafted, embodying The Royal Mint’s dedication to excellence and storytelling. These sets not only celebrate the past but also inspire future generations to cherish and learn from Britain’s rich cultural heritage.
Available on 2nd January 2025
As stated by the Royal Mint
HMS Belfast 2025 UK £2 Coin Range: A Tribute to Britain’s Most Formidable Warship
A legendary symbol of British naval strength has just been unveiled on an official UK £2 coin range for the very first time. The mighty HMS Belfast — a ship that played a decisive role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War — now takes its place in coin-collecting history.
This release also makes history in more ways than one:
- The last new UK coin of the year — making it a landmark release to close out 2024.
- The first UK £2 coin to bear a 2025 date — a significant milestone for collectors.
These firsts, coupled with the ship’s rich history, make this coin one of the most important issues of the year.
The Legacy of HMS Belfast
Launched in 1938, HMS Belfast played a pivotal role in some of the most critical moments of the 20th century. As part of the Arctic convoys, she helped sink the German battleship Scharnhorst in 1943 — one of the Royal Navy’s greatest victories of WWII. The following year, she was a key player in the D-Day landings, bombarding German defences to support Allied troops at Sword Beach.
After WWII, she served in the Korean War and patrolled key locations during the Cold War, maintaining Britain’s naval dominance. Her final commission ended in 1963, and she was preserved as a museum ship on the River Thames. Today, HMS Belfast is a symbol of Britain’s naval heritage and a living memorial to the sailors who served aboard her.
The 2025 UK £2 Coin: A Collectible Like No Other
This striking coin depicts HMS Belfast as she appeared in the 1960s, accompanied by her Latin motto, “PRO · TANTO · QVID · RETRIBVAMVS” (What shall we give in return for so much?). Developed with the support of the Imperial War Museum (IWM), it offers collectors a chance to own a tangible link to this legendary warship.
Available in four stunning finishes — Gold Proof, Silver Proof Piedfort, Silver Proof, and Brilliant Uncirculated — each edition comes with informative packaging detailing HMS Belfast’s history and service record.
Why Collectors Will Want This Coin
- First-of-its-kind design – The first-ever UK coin dedicated to HMS Belfast.
- Commemorates naval heritage – A tribute to one of Britain’s most iconic warships.
- Limited availability – Early-release coins like this often sell out quickly.
This is more than a coin — it’s a tribute to the ship that played a decisive role in some of Britain’s greatest wartime victories.
Don’t miss your chance to secure the HMS Belfast 2025 UK £2 Coin and own a piece of naval history.
The National Gallery: A Journey Through Art and Time
In the bustling heart of London, the National Gallery began its life in 1824, initially occupying the former townhouse of banker John Julius Angerstein at No.100 Pall Mall. The modest beginning—with just 38 paintings—was the spark for what would grow into one of the world’s most revered art institutions. In April 1824 the House of Commons agreed to pay £57,000 for the picture collection of the banker John Julius Angerstein. His 38 pictures were intended to form the core of a new national collection, for the enjoyment and education of all.
The Evolution of a Landmark
The National Gallery’s early days at No.100 Pall Mall weren’t exactly glamorous. It was small, stuffy, and constantly packed, making it a bit of an embarrassment compared to the grandeur of the Louvre in Paris. However, Agar Ellis, a trustee of the gallery, saw its location on Pall Mall as crucial, right in the heart of London’s hustle and bustle.
In 1832, construction started on a new building by William Wilkins, replacing the old Royal Mews in Charing Cross. Positioned between the affluent West End and less privileged areas to the east, its location was strategic. The idea was to make the collection accessible to people from all walks of life, prioritising social inclusion over concerns like city pollution or architectural flaws.
Even as the possibility of moving to South Kensington arose in the 1850s, the emphasis remained on making art available to everyone. As stated by the Parliamentary Commission of 1857, the purpose of the collection wasn’t just to display pictures, but to enrich the lives of the people, regardless of their social standing.
Today, the National Gallery is a vibrant hub for art lovers of all backgrounds. It’s diverse collection, ranging from iconic masterpieces to hidden gems, offers endless opportunities for exploration and inspiration. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and digital initiatives, the gallery provides a welcoming environment where everyone can engage with art.
Celebrating 200 Years of Art
In recognition of its 200th anniversary, the National Gallery is celebrated with a special coin designed by Edwina Ellis, known for her detailed engravings. The coin beautifully features the gallery at its center, surrounded by the inscription of the anniversary. This keepsake is not just a piece of metal but a symbol of the gallery’s enduring legacy, available in gold, silver, and uncirculated editions.
The edge of the coin bears the inscription ‘MAIORVM GLORIA POSTERIS LVMEN EST’, meaning “The glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants.” This phrase, inscribed in the gallery’s very architecture, encapsulates the essence of the National Gallery: a portal to the past and a beacon for the future.
Explore the whole National Gallery £2 range now by clicking here >>