Posts Tagged ‘Coin Collecting’
Could the 2025 UK Zog 50p be RARER than the sell-out Gruffalo 50p?
For the very first time, the loveable, accident-prone dragon Zog has been celebrated on a UK 50p coin, marking 15 magical years since the much-loved children’s book was first published.
Explore the 2025 UK Zog 50p Range >>
Zog turns 15
Since Zog first burst onto the scene in 2010, he’s captured imaginations around the world. Written by Julia Donaldson, former UK Children’s Laureate, and brought to life with Axel Scheffler’s iconic illustrations, the tale of perseverance, friendship (and a few fiery mishaps!) has become a bedtime favourite.
Over 4.5 million copies of Zog have been sold globally, and its timeless charm continues to delight both children and adults.
The FIRST ever Zog coin
To mark 15 year of the much loved story, Zog is taking centre stage on a UK 50p for the very first time.
The coin’s reverse has been beautifully designed by Emma Noble, who has expertly captured the moment Zog learns to fly, taking inspiration straight from the pages of the beloved story.
Now here’s where it gets really exciting, and why you’ll need need to act fast if you want to get your hands on one…
Tiny edition limits
Two of the most sought-after versions of the Zog 50p have been issued with incredibly small edition limits, making it even rarer than the sell-out 2019 Gruffalo 50p!
Just 3,500 Silver Proof Zog 50ps are available and the Gold Proof 1/40oz has an edition limit of just 1,000.
The 2019 Gruffalo 50p, 2019 Gruffalo and Mouse 50p and the 2024 Gruffalo’s Child 50p all had Silver Proof edition limits of 25,000, and all sold out within just hours of release! So to put this into perspective, the Zog Silver Proof 50p has an edition limit SEVEN TIMES smaller that previous sell-out Julia Donaldson coins!
And the Gold Proof 1/40oz? Well, with just 1,000 available, it’s one of the most limited gold 50p releases we’ve ever seen.
Don’t miss out on securing your Zog 50p
With such tiny edition limits, and the huge popularity of Julia Donaldson’s coins, don’t miss out on your chance to secure your Zog 50p.
350 Years of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich celebrated on a UK £2 coin
Originally released as part of the 2025 Annual Coin Set, the 2025 UK Royal Greenwich Observatory £2 is now available to own individually for the very first time – and it’s bursting with history and symbolism.
Explore the UK Royal Observatory, Greenwich £2 Coin Range >>
Celebrating 350 Years of Innovation and Exploration
In 1675, King Charles II commissioned the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, unknowingly setting in motion centuries of astronomical discovery, navigational breakthroughs and global timekeeping.
Image Credit: DiscoA340, via Wikimedia Commons
Greenwich is where East meets West, and home to the Prime Meridian – an invisible line that runs through the very ground. The Royal Observatory is where Greenwich Mean Time was born, and it’s been guiding explorers, scientists and seafarers ever since.
Now, 350 years on, this iconic institution has been honoured on a UK £2 coin.
A Design Packed with Symbolism
Created by renowned designer Henry Gray, the reverse design of the 2025 Royal Greenwich Observatory £2 is a treasure trove for collectors.
Here’s what you’ll spot:
- The Shepherd Gate Clock – one of the world’s first public displays of Greenwich Mean Time.
- Ursa Minor and Polaris – the constellation and star used for celestial navigation across centuries.
- The Prime Meridian on a globe – marking the division between East and West.
- And along the edge, the words: “PERFECTING THE ART OF NAVIGATION” – a phrase taken from the Observatory’s founding Royal Warrant.
Every detail speaks to the Observatory’s unmatched contribution to science, timekeeping, and navigation.
Watch our video
Deserving of a space in your collection
You can secure the 2025 UK Royal Observatory £2 in Brilliant Uncirculated quality, or for something truly special, it’s also available in Silver Proof and Silver Piedfort.
The Silver Proof version has an edition limit of 1,500, and just 650 of the Silver Piedfort coins are available. Demand for these coins is expected to be high, so don’t hesitate as you may miss out on securing yours!
The £5 Coin Celebrating 350 Years of the Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is one of Britain’s greatest scientific landmarks. Established in 1675, it became the cornerstone for global navigation and timekeeping. And now, this remarkable legacy is captured in an equally remarkable £5 coin — a design that pays tribute to centuries of exploration, astronomy, and engineering.
Whether you’re a passionate numismatist or simply intrigued by the wonders of science, this coin is worth a closer look.
A Landmark in British Coin Design
At first glance, this isn’t just a commemorative piece — it’s a statement of precision. The design is deeply symbolic, dividing the surface into two distinct yet interconnected halves.
Running vertically through the centre is the Prime Meridian, the global reference point for time and space, originating at Greenwich. This bold line doesn’t just split the coin — it connects hemispheres and disciplines.
East: Gazing Upwards
On one side, the emphasis is celestial. The Great Equatorial Telescope dome of the Royal Observatory rises beneath a starry sky, where Ursa Minor and the North Star remind us of centuries of cosmic observation and navigation.
West: Mastering Time
Opposite, the design moves from stars to seconds. Intricate mechanisms represent Clock B, a pioneering free-swinging pendulum clock by Martin Burgess, renowned for its unmatched accuracy. It’s a tribute to human ingenuity — where measuring time became an art and a science.
Strictly Limited Editions
Each version of the coin has been officially approved by King Charles III, with limited edition quantities that are already generating excitement among collectors:
- Proof £5 Coin – Affordable and accessible, available now
- Silver Proof Edition – Extremely limited, under 1,000 worldwide
- Silver 5oz Specification – Just 350 minted, crafted in pure silver for collectors who appreciate the artistry in full scale
🌐 Explore the full range here: www.westminstercollection.com/observatory5
A Timeless Tribute
More than a coin, this is a celebration of where science changed the world. It honours not just the Royal Observatory, but the relentless pursuit of knowledge that placed Britain at the centre of global time and space.