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.

Explore the incredible Coronation Masterpiece Coin

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.

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‘Principium’ is Latin for ‘Beginning’

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.
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The text reads ‘CORONATION OF HIS MAJESTY KING CHARLES III’ along with the date of the coronation – 6 MAY MMXXIII.

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.

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Quentin Peacock
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 >>

SHOP THE CORONATION RANGE  - Behind the design: The Coronation Masterpiece that’s already SOLD OUT!

The Official UK King Charles III Coronation Coins Confirmed 

Last week, it was announced that King Charles III will celebrate his Coronation with a brand-new range of UK coins

And today, you have the chance to make sure you don’t miss out… 

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What we know so far about the UK Coronation Coins

The Royal Proclamation detailed a range of limited-edition coin specifications including a 50p and a £5 coin, a Sovereign, and an ounces range; the perfect way to honour this historic occasion. 

The launch date is yet to be confirmed, but considering that the first UK coronation in 70 years is now less than two months away, collectors are eagerly awaiting further news.

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We’re expecting huge demand for these coins. Especially when you hear about the designs… 

The designs

The Royal Proclamation has declared that the reverse of the new UK 50p will feature the Royal Cypher of King Charles III against the exterior of Westminster Abbey. 

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The Royal Cypher of King Charles III
Credit: The Royal Family royal.uk

Additionally, the reverse design of the £5 coin is set to feature St Edward’s Crown accompanied by text stating “THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III 6th MAY 2023”.  

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St Edwards Crown
Credit: The Royal Family royal.uk

The proclamation also confirmed that the Sovereign range will feature the classic St. George & the Dragon design. It’ll be the first King Charles III sovereign with this reverse, making it excellent to pair with the UK 2022 Memorial Sovereign. 

Unprecedented demand expected 

Demand for these coronation coins is sure to outweigh supply. 

We saw 24-hour sell-outs for the Queen’s UK Platinum Jubilee coin range, so it’s inevitable that demand for these coins will follow suit… 


 

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The story of the 1-a-minute Coronation sell-out

With a bank holiday weekend, star-studded concert, street parties across the nation and sell-out collectibles, the Coronation of King Charles III will be THE royal celebration of a lifetime. 

Coin collectors don’t need telling twice how important this event is. The first Coronation for 70 years is going to be massive.

And the evidence of this came just under a week ago.

100 “Mint Masters” Coronation Sets launched at 9am on Wednesday 22 February. Just before 10:40am we saw a complete sell out

1 set sold EVERY MINUTE until they were all allocated. 

Why did it sell out so quickly?

Approved by King Charles III, the sell-out Mint Masters Set features three Silver £5 coins, issued specially for the Coronation.  

Each coin depicts a key element of the Coronation. You have the King’s cypher, the Coronation Carriage and the Imperial State Crown. 

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The SOLD OUT King Charles III Coronation Mint Masters Set

A Golden Celebration

Unusually, the Mint Masters Set is reverse-plated in 24 Carat Gold, meaning the coins are struck from Fine Silver but feature additional gold plating. 

The obverse designs have been left unplated, making the Coronation elements really stand out.

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Mint Masters Set Obverses

Design Royalty

Each coin in the Mint Masters Set features designs from one of the best in the business, a man synonymous with royalty on coinage

Timothy Noad has worked as a professional calligrapher, illuminator and heraldic artist for over thirty years, acquiring an international reputation for his elegant and meticulous work. 

A prolific designer of British coins and medals, Tim is the artist behind five One Pound coins and three Crowns commemorating royal occasions.  

In 2022, he achieved the unique distinction of having his designs chosen for three Gold Sovereigns, The Queen’s Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals

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Timothy Noad’s Gold Sovereign Designs

For the Mint Masters Set, he’s designed the Coronation Carriage and Imperial State Crown. 

The end result is one of the best-looking sets you’ll see for the Coronation. Sure to be treasured pieces for the lucky 100 collectors that secured them before the quick sell-out. 

If you’re interested…

But there’s good news! If you’re quick, you can get your hands on the Fine Silver Coronation £5 Coin Set. Limited to 995, the coins in this set feature 24 Carat Gold plating on the reverse designs. 

Judging by the speed of the Mint Masters Set sell-out, these won’t be available for long so you’ll have to act fast.

Secure a set for your collection now >>

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