Posts Tagged ‘Queen Elizabeth II’
The Rare Brexit 50p: Have you got one?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering, “Do I own this incredibly rare 50p?”. Well here’s some background information: After the historic 2016 referendum, the UK officially left the European Union on 31st January 2020. To mark this pivotal moment in modern British history, the Brexit 50p—also known as the UK Withdrawal from the EU 50p—was issued. However, due to multiple delays and deferrals, three distinct versions exist, making it one of the most fascinating modern coin releases.
The Three Brexit 50p Coins
The 29th March 2019 Brexit 50p
In 2018, it was announced that a commemorative 50p would be struck to mark the UK’s departure from the EU, originally scheduled for 29th March 2019. The coin’s design was revealed by the Treasury on social media, featuring the inscription “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations” alongside the planned withdrawal date.
However, after Brexit was postponed, only 1,000 coins with this date were minted. Of these, 990 were melted down, leaving just 10 surviving examples securely held by The Royal Mint. None of these coins were released into circulation, making them impossible to find in change.
Rare 50p – Worth Over £40,000!
As the UK’s departure was rescheduled for 31st October 2019, The Royal Mint struck over one million new Brexit 50ps featuring the revised date. Yet, history repeated itself, and on 28th October 2019, Brexit was delayed once more. As a result, the vast majority of these coins were melted down before they could enter circulation.
However, against all odds, two examples have surfaced in circulation, making them some of the rarest and most valuable 50ps ever discovered.
Given their extreme rarity, these coins are estimated to be worth over £40,000 each, according to numismatic specialists at Spink and Son auction house! Their discovery has been described as a “Golden Ticket moment”, emphasising their significance in the world of coin collecting. With only two known examples in existence, they could potentially break records for a UK circulating coin should they ever go to auction.
The 31st January 2020 Brexit 50p
With Brexit finally taking place on 31st January 2020, The Royal Mint once again revised the 50p design to reflect the correct date. This version entered circulation as intended, with 10,001,000 coins released.
How Rare Is the Brexit 50p?
While the 31st January 2020 Brexit 50p is an important historical coin, its mintage of over 10 million means it is not particularly rare. In contrast, the 31st October 2019 Brexit 50ps are some of the rarest modern UK coins, with just two known examples in existence—and an estimated value of over £40,000 each, according to numismatic specialists at Spink and Son auction house!
A Rare and Controversial 50p Coin
The Brexit 50p sparked debate beyond its rarity. Some critics, including author Sir Philip Pullman, objected to the lack of an Oxford comma in the coin’s inscription, arguing that “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations” should have included a comma after “prosperity.”
Despite the controversy, the Brexit 50p remains a fascinating piece of numismatic history, marking a significant political moment and offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a coin with an unusual backstory.
Could There Be More £40,000 Brexit 50ps Out There?
With only two known examples of the ultra-rare 31st October 2019 Brexit 50p discovered so far, it raises the thrilling possibility that more could be waiting to be found. Collectors are being urged to check their change—you might just strike gold!
>>> You can buy the 2020 UK Brexit CERTIFIED BU 50p by clicking here <<<
Rarest £2 Coins in the UK
What are the Rarest UK £2 Coins in circulation? Find out if you have any below.
For over 25 years, the UK £2 coin has been a symbol of national pride and history, quietly circulating among us and occasionally surprising collectors with its rarity. Let us guide you through some of the rarest £2 coins ever produced for UK circulation.
1. Commonwealth Games, Northern Ireland 2002
Mintage: 485,500
The rarest £2 coin in circulation, this gem is a tribute to the 2002 Commonwealth Games. It features the Ulster Banner with a victorious figure, making it a must-have for collectors. Its extremely low mintage of just 485,500 cements its position as the ultimate treasure in UK £2 coinage.
2. Commonwealth Games, Wales 2002
Mintage: 588,500
This rare £2 coin celebrates the achievements of Welsh athletes during the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Featuring the Welsh flag alongside a figure in motion, it’s a standout piece in the Commonwealth series and a prized find for collectors.
3. WW1 Royal Navy Fifth Portrait 2015
Mintage: 650,000
Honouring the Royal Navy’s role in the First World War, David Rowlands’ depiction of HMS Royal Oak is both powerful and poignant. The edge inscription, “THE SURE SHIELD OF BRITAIN,” reinforces the coin’s tribute to national resilience. Featuring the fifth and final definitive coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, this rare £2 coin is steeped in historical significance.
4. Britannia Fifth Portrait 2015
Mintage: 650,000
A modern take on an age-old symbol, Antony Dufort’s design brings Britannia back to UK circulation after a long absence. Replacing the Technology design that had graced £2 coins since 1997, this £2 release became an instant collector’s favourite, blending tradition with modern artistry.
5. Commonwealth Games, England 2002
Mintage: 650,000
The England edition of the 2002 Commonwealth Games coin features St. George’s Cross alongside a dynamic figure in motion. Matthew Bonaccorsi’s design embodies national pride, and its limited mintage ensures its status as a cherished piece among collectors.
6. Commonwealth Games, Scotland 2002
Mintage: 771,750
The 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester were a milestone for UK sports. The Scotland edition of this commemorative coin series, designed by Matthew Bonaccorsi, features a vibrant figure holding a banner, symbolising celebration and unity. The edge inscription, “SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP, MANCHESTER 2002,” perfectly captures the event’s camaraderie.
7. Olympic Games Handover 2012
Mintage: 845,000
This coin commemorates the handover of the Olympic Games from London to Rio de Janeiro. Designed by Jonathan Olliffe, it features the passing of a baton between two hands, framed by the flags of the UK and Brazil. The edge inscription, “I CALL UPON THE YOUTH OF THE WORLD,” echoes the global spirit of the Olympics.
8. Olympic Games 2008
Mintage: 910,000
Celebrating the centenary of the 1908 London Olympics, this coin showcases a striking running track design by Thomas T. Docherty. With the years 1908 and 2008 integrated into the design and the edge inscription reading “THE 4TH OLYMPIAD LONDON,” it’s a dynamic tribute to the enduring legacy of the Olympic Games.
9. Olympic Games Handover 2008
Mintage: 918,000
Designed by Thomas T. Docherty, this coin captures the symbolic passing of the Olympic flag, marking the transition from Beijing 2008 to London 2012. The reverse design features hands exchanging the flag, with the years boldly displayed. Encircling the edge is the inspiring inscription, “I CALL UPON THE YOUTH OF THE WORLD,” emphasising the unity and potential of the games.
Have you got one of the coins featured above?
Each of these £2 coins represents a unique story, from sporting milestones to national symbols, making them more than just currency—they are pieces of history in your pocket. Keep an eye on your change; you never know when you might uncover one of these hidden treasures!
Honouring Dorothy Wilding: The Visionary Behind Queen Elizabeth II’s Iconic Portraits
Dorothy Wilding, a name synonymous with timeless elegance and photographic mastery, played a significant role in shaping the image of one of the world’s most recognised monarchs: Queen Elizabeth II. Known for her simple yet striking photographic style, Wilding’s portraits of the Queen became the foundation for a new era of royal imagery.
In early 1952, just twenty days after Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, Wilding was granted the honour of conducting the first official photographic sitting. The Queen’s new role demanded an image that would grace coins, banknotes, and stamps, becoming a lasting symbol of her reign. Wilding, already experienced as a royal photographer, had previously captured official portraits at King George VI’s Coronation in 1937 and had been awarded the first Royal Warrant for a female photographer in 1943.
On February 26, 1952, Wilding photographed the young Queen wearing magnificent Norman Hartnell gowns and royal jewelry, such as the Diamond Diadem and the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. With an elegant simplicity, she utilized plain black and white backdrops, drawing all attention to the poise and grace of her subject. Out of the fifty-nine images taken during that session, one particular portrait became an icon. This three-quarter bust image of the Queen was selected for the 2½ pence stamp, released for the 1953 Coronation. The first stamp to depict Elizabeth II featured this portrait, and these stamps became commonly known as “Wildings.” The Queen’s head is turned slightly towards the viewer in a three-quarter profile, adding to the elegance of Wilding’s work.
For the ½d, 1d, 1½d, and 2d value stamps, the portrait was adorned with a decorative floral design created by Enid Marx. When we say a stamp has a value in “d,” this means its value in pennies. For example The notation “1½d” refers to one and a half (1.5) old pence. The “d” stands for “denarius,” a term used in pre-decimal British currency to denote pennies. Before 1971, the UK used pounds, shillings, and pence, with 12 pennies to the shilling and 20 shillings to the pound, totaling 240 pence in each pound. The currency change in the 1970s, known as decimalisation, significantly impacted stamps.
The stamps featuring this iconic portrait remained in circulation until 1971, and the photograph itself was hung in British Embassies around the world. Wilding’s work not only captured the Queen’s regal aura but also set a precedent for how the monarchy was represented on currency and official memorabilia. Her artistry continues to be celebrated and remembered as a key component of Britain’s visual heritage.
Introducing the Dorothy Wilding Silver Commemorative and Postage Stamp Set
To honour the legacy of Dorothy Wilding and her contribution to royal history, we are excited to present the First Dorothy Wilding Silver Commemorative and original postage stamp set. This exclusive offering celebrates the artistry of Wilding and the iconic image of Queen Elizabeth II that shaped an era.
This set features a beautifully designed half-ounce pure silver commemorative, adorned with an officially licensed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Dorothy Wilding. The striking image is courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, London, and reflects the timeless elegance that made Wilding’s photographs so celebrated. The commemorative captures the Queen’s grace and the iconic simplicity of Wilding’s style, making it a collector’s treasure.
Accompanying the commemorative is an authentic Dorothy Wilding postage stamp, carefully selected from the 1952–1968 period. These stamps, available in vibrant colours and various denominations, offer a glimpse into the era when Wilding’s portraits of the Queen became a part of everyday British life.
But a limited quantity of just 250 sets being released this year, you will need to be quick to secure yours before they are all gone.
This exclusive collectible not only commemorates the artistry of Wilding but also celebrates the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Each set includes a Certificate of Authenticity, affirming its place in history and the prestige of owning such a meaningful piece of royal heritage.