Posts Tagged ‘uk 50p coin’
Explore the Ice Age Giants 50p series
The Royal Mint’s Tales of the Earth collection continues to captivate with a new series of coins that celebrate the awe-inspiring megafauna of the Ice Age. These coins depict three of the most iconic large mammals of the Pleistocene Epoch, a period that began 2.6 million years ago when vast ice sheets covered large parts of the Earth. While these glaciers dominated the landscape, immense creatures known as megafauna thrived in the grasslands nearby, and the latest UK 50p coins honour these giants in stunning detail.
The Mighty Steppe Mammoth
The first coin in the series features Mammuthus trogontherii, the colossal Steppe Mammoth. One of the largest mammals to exist during the Pleistocene Epoch, the steppe mammoth stood an impressive 4 meters tall at the shoulder and weighed up to 10 tonnes. Thought to have evolved from an ancestor in China around 2 million years ago, this giant herbivore adapted to changing environments with notable features. Its molars developed more ridges to better withstand abrasive vegetation, a critical adaptation that distinguished it from other mammoth species.
The Hardy Woolly Rhinoceros
Next in the series is the Woolly Rhinoceros UK 50p Coin, which highlights this remarkable creature that once roamed the grassy plains of the Ice Age. Despite being similar in size to today’s African white rhinoceros—around 2 tonnes—the woolly rhinoceros was well-suited for freezing conditions. Its thick double-layered coat protected it from temperatures as low as -60°C, and its long, sabre-like front horn likely helped clear snow in search of vegetation.
The Majestic Giant Deer
The final coin in this breathtaking series honours the Giant Deer, or Megaloceros giganteus. Known for its colossal antlers, which were the largest of any known species (measuring between 2.5 and 3.5 meters across), the giant deer was truly a sight to behold. With a shoulder height just under 2 meters—about the height of an average doorframe—this megafauna species managed to thrive in both the colder and warmer climates of the Ice Age, often coexisting with the woolly mammoth in more southerly areas.
This Icy 50p coin range from the Royal Mint’s Tales of the Earth series beautifully commemorates the grandeur of the Ice Age and it’s extraordinary creatures. From the towering Steppe Mammoth to the resilient Woolly Rhinoceros and the majestic Giant Deer, each coin is a tribute to a bygone era of natural wonders. Crafted with expert attention to detail and scientific accuracy, these coins are a must-have.
Discover the UK Coronation Coin Designs…
Last week, The Royal Mint and Buckingham Palace revealed the designs of the UK’s Coronation coins.
Since then, collectors have been eagerly eyeing up the coins they want to get their hands on when they are officially available to buy on the 24th April.
Let’s take a look at the designs…
The Portrait
The special portrait of King Charles III that will be used on this Coronation range of coins has been designed by sculptor Martin Jennings (who also designed the standard effigy). In this portrait, King Charles III is depicted wearing the Tudor Crown.
The crown itself was destroyed back in 1649 during the Civil War, but it was personally selected by King Charles III for his portrait to follow suit of previous 20th century kings, including that of his grandfather, King George VI.
The Tudor Crown also features on Charles III’s Royal Cypher – his royal monogram.
Source: The Royal Family royal.uk
The 50p
The 50p coin design will feature the King’s Royal Cypher, alongside a stunning line drawing of the front of Westminster Abbey.
Created by The Royal Mint’s resident designer Natasha Jenkins, it’s a reference to the Coronation Day itself, when Charles and Camilla will arrive at Westminster Abbey to be crowned.
The £5
Timothy Noad is the designer behind the Coronation £5 coin, a man with an already prolific portfolio in coins. Previously, his designs have featured on the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee issues, as well as three rare changes in design of the Sovereign.
The design of the Coronation £5 features the renowned St Edward’s Crown, carefully joined by the two sceptres that King Charles will hold on the day of the Coronation. These crown jewels have been an iconic symbol of the United Kingdom since they were first created for Charles II in 1661.
Source: Royal Collection Trust
The Ounce
The ounce range of coins feature a heraldic design by John Berhdahl – the designer of the special Platinum Jubilee obverse last year.
Fascinatingly, John has said that he imagined the coin by sketching the initial design on tracing paper, then overlaying more tracing paper to manipulate the layers of the design.
The Sovereign
There will be a limited number of Sovereigns struck on the day of the Coronation on 6th May 2023. As the perfect way to commemorate this day, the design will go back to the original Pistrucci St George and the Dragon design. This will be the first opportunity for collectors to own a 2023 Sovereign.
The coin range will be available to purchase on Monday 24th April on the Westminster Collection website, but if you want to be the first to hear more about the coins, sign-up here:
A history of sought-after Harry Potter collectables
The UK’s FIRST Harry Potter 50p is now available, and it features a special lenticular element. In this blog, I’ll tell you why Harry Potter collectables are some of the most sought-after out there…
The stories of Harry Potter are among some of the most-popular in the world.
In fact, more than 500 million copies of the Harry Potter books have sold worldwide!
Around the world, Harry Potter themed collectables and memorabilia are extremely popular with collectors and fans alike.
Particularly, first editions of Harry Potter collectables, or those with unique features are particularly in-demand.
Considering the brand new Harry Potter 50p is both a UK FIRST and it includes a special lenticular feature, it will surely follow in some HUGE footsteps. But, how much have previous Harry Potter collectables sold for on the secondary market?
Sought-after Harry Potter collectables
Let’s take a look at some Harry Potter memorabilia that has fetched HUGE sums on secondary market sites….
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a fictional book mentioned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and it was brought to life when JK Rowling hand-wrote and self-illustrated 7 copies of the book.
Credit: Good Housekeeping
All 7 copies were bound in Moroccan leather and decorated with silver ornaments and semi precious stones. These books are incredibly rare with only 7 in existence.
Subsequently, one sold at auction for £1.95 million, a world record for a modern manuscript!
This is a key example of how edition limits can drive up demand for collectable items.
Considering the strict worldwide edition limits of the precious metal Harry Potter 50p coins, we don’t expect these to be available for long…
Chocolate Frog Trading Cards
The Gold Albus Dumbledore Trading cards, available in the Harry Potter Chocolate Frogs, were previously been listed on eBay for over $900!
These cards are especially in demand as they are only available from Universal Studios in Japan and feature a special lenticular design.
Credit: eBay
Like the Albus Dumbledore Trading Card, the UK’s FIRST Harry Potter 50p excitingly also features a unique lenticular feature.
Evidently, Harry Potter themed collectables with strict edition limits and unique features can be worth a small fortune.
And, with recent UK 50p launches selling out at The Royal Mint in limited edition presentations, including the recently issued BBC 50p, this brand new coin is sure to be a hit with collectors.
So, don’t hesitate in adding the UK’s first Harry Potter 50p to your collection.
