Posts Tagged ‘Coin Collecting’
RELEASED TODAY: OFFICIAL UK STAR WARS™ 50ps
The first UK Star WarsTM coin collection has been released today to celebrate 40 years since the release of Return of the Jedi in 1983.
The Star Wars franchise is a worldwide phenomenon, and despite being the brainchild of American movie maker, George Lucas, the Star Wars franchise has many links to British Heritage and the United Kingdom.
The coins have been specially produced in partnership with The Royal Mint, Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm to create something extremely special for Star Wars’ fans and coin collectors alike.
The first design features none other than R2-D2TM and C-3POTM, with both characters inside the Millennium Falcon, the famous starship that has played a role in some of the greatest victories of the Rebel Alliance and the New Republic.
R2-D2TM and C-3POTM are the first to feature on the four-coin collection, with the other coins in the series also including other iconic duos including, Darth VaderTM and Emperor PalpetineTM, Luke SkywalkerTM and Princess LeiaTM, and Han SoloTM and ChewbaccaTM all with stunning designs that capture the true essence of the films.
Each coin is available in superior Brilliant Uncirculated Quality, or strictly limited Silver Proof Quality.
But it is the Silver coin that is especially unique, featuring the addition of vivid colour. This is a process that allows George Lucas’ iconic duos to be faithfully reproduced as accurately as possible.
What’s more, the silver coin has been limited to just 12,500 worldwide. When you consider the number of coin collectors who will want this 50p coin, alongside the number of Star Wars fans that will too, demand will likely exceed availability.
Finally, each of the coins in the series also has an intricate detail you may have missed – a lenticular feature. When the coin is tilted, two intricate symbols are revealed for Tatooine and the Rebel Alliance Starbird. Not only does this enhance the design, but it is also a favourite amongst coin collectors.
Whether you choose the Brilliant Uncirculated coins, or the Silver Proof version, rest assured all coins have been beautifully packaged as the perfect piece of memorabilia.
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By opting into the Westminster Collection Star Wars Priority Lists, you can automatically receive the next coins in the series without the hassle!
Celebrate Canada Day with the most sought-after Royal Canadian Mint coins!
1st July marks Canada Day. It has been celebrated since 1867 when the country became a self-governing region within the British empire, combining three colonies to create Canada.
So fittingly, you can celebrate with some of the most sought-after coins from The Royal Canadian Mint:
SOLD-OUT at the Mint: 2023 Maple Leaf 1oz Silver Proof Coin
This 1oz Pure Silver coin depicts the iconic Maple Leaf design – and has already sold-out an edition limit of 8,000. But, we have just 41 remaining…
Click here to secure yours before it’s too late >>
SOLD-OUT: Canada 2023 St Edward’s Crown Fine Silver Coin
This is the perfect way to honour the Coronation of King Charles III, with a tribute to the St Edward’s Crown, worn by our new Monarch for the first time in 70 years.
Secure the SOLD-OUT St Edward’s Crown Silver coin here >>>
NO LONGER AVAILABLE: Mercury’s Horned Face Silver Proof Coin
This could be your last chance to secure the unique fossilized Silver coin that’s no longer available from the Royal Canadian Mint!
Click here to learn why you need to secure it for your collection >>
75th Anniversary of VE Day Silver Proof Dollar
As one of Canada’s most sought-after annual releases, this is your second chance to secure the 75th anniversary of VE Day Silver Proof Dollar that’s no longer available at The Mint.
But with only a small number remaining, secure yours here before it’s too late >>
2oz Silver Rippling Canadian Flag with Vivid Colour
The prestigious 2oz Silver Proof coin from The Royal Canadian Mint featuring a coloured depiction of the Canadian flag is the first of its kind.
And excitingly, there are a handful left in stock! Click here to secure yours >>
Behind the design: The Coronation Masterpiece that’s already SOLD OUT!
The ‘Masterpiece’ is undoubtedly a flagship specification for Westminster collectors that truly lives up to the name.
Authorised to commemorate King Charles III’s Coronation, the masterpiece coin is struck from 5 ounces of Pure Silver to a pristine proof finish. The exquisite design pays tribute to the Coronation Regalia that will be used when the ceremony takes place on 6th May.
A closer look at the design…
The reverse features a beautiful heraldic design by Quentin Peacock. It takes inspiration from the regalia and Crown Jewels which are integral to the Coronation ceremony. The six windows showing each item represent the stained glass at Westminster Abbey.
The Crown Jewels are undeniably the most complete collection of royal regalia in the world. At the heart of the Crown Jewels is obviously the Coronation Regalia, sacred objects used in the coronation ceremony. So the six treasures featured on the Masterpiece Coin are:
- Sovereign’s Sceptre – This sceptre represents the sovereign’s spiritual role, with the dove symbolising the Holy Ghost. Traditionally it has been known as ‘the Rod of Equity and Mercy’.
- Sword of Offering – one of the objects with which the sovereign is invested during the coronation ceremony.
- St Edwards Crown – the crown used at the moment of coronation. A solid gold frame set with rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, topazes and tourmalines. The crown has a velvet cap with an ermine band.
- Eagle-shaped Ampulla – used to hold the consecrated oil with which a sovereign is anointed during the coronation ceremony. It’s cast in the form of an eagle with outspread wings.
- Sovereign’s Orb – a representation of the sovereign’s power. It symbolises the Christian world with its cross mounted on a globe, and the bands of jewels dividing it up into three sections represent the three continents known in medieval times.
- Ancient Coronation Spoon – The Archbishop pours holy oil from the Ampulla into the spoon, and anoints the sovereign on the hands, breast and head. The anointing is the most sacred part of the coronation ceremony, and takes place before the investiture and crowning.
Meet the designer
Quentin Peacock has been illustrating heraldry for fifteen years. During this time, he has created many seals and medal art works. Quentin began illustrating in 1999, having studied Graphic Design and Illustration at university and has subsequently worked on many heraldic commissions over the years.
Credit: The Society of Heraldic Art
A note from the artist: “It has always been my aim to demonstrate how beautiful heraldry can be created digitally and even to look as if it has been hand painted. Digital heraldry will never (and neither should it) replace hand-created heraldic art, but we are in a digital age and the need for professional digital heraldry is growing. It is my intention to make sure that it is done well and even to serve as an inspiration to other artists.”
Striking the masterpiece
The Masterpiece Coin is struck from 5 ounces of Pure Silver and uses selective 24ct Gold-plating to enhance key elements of the design.
This stunning coin has been struck to a beautiful proof finish, the highest quality finish. Creating the mirror-like finish requires immense craftsmanship. The dies used to strike the coin are painstakingly hand finished to sharpen the design and remove any imperfections.
Additionally, the dies are regularly removed from the press and re-polished during production, ensuring every coin is minted to the highest standard.
Shop the King Charles III Coronation Range
And as I mentioned earlier, the incredible Coronation Masterpiece coin has already completely SOLD OUT. However, you can browse the full coronation range here >>
