Coin Update» Royal British Mint

Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Two Coin Set

Michael Alexander — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:11:41 +0000

The Royal Mint have launched (9^th January) a limited edition two coin set which brings together the Queen’s golden and Diamond Jubilee anniversaries with the presentation of the gold crowns issued in 2002 and for the latest 2012 event. Queen Elizabeth II becomes only the second British monarch to achieve a 60-year reign, an historic achievement matched only by Queen Victoria in 1897, The Queen’s great-great-grandmother.

The 2002 dated coins were issued ten years ago and specially commissioned to mark the 50^th year of reign or, “Golden Jubilee” of HM Queen Elizabeth II. The obverse depicted the Queen on horseback, the third time in which she was portrayed on UK national coinage as such (the other coins being issued in 1953 and 1977) and also included a reverse portrait with Her Majesty wearing the robes of the order of the Garter.

The latest coin which marks 60 years incorporates both old and new portraits for this once-in-a-lifetime event. A new portrait unveiled October 2011 shows a majestic and mature head and shoulders depiction of the Queen also in the robes of the order of the Garter together with a recreation of the 1953 portrait created by artist Mary Gillick on the reverse of this commemorative crown which was used on circulation coinage in the United Kingdom and the commonwealth.

As two of the primary portraits were designed by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS for both the 2002 and 2012 commemorative coins, this limited edition set includes an exclusive numbered Certificate of Authenticity personally signed by the artist / sculptor himself. Displayed within a bespoke presentation case of high gloss varnished wood veneer, the set is limited to just 60 sets worldwide for distribution.

For more information on this and other coins on offer by the Royal mint, please visit their website at http://www.royalmint.com/

UK Olympic 50p Coin Explains Football’s Offside Rule

Michael Alexander — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:40:17 +0000

The Royal Mint were pleasantly caught off guard as the latest Olympic coin to enter circulation was the focus for increased world-wide media attention over the holiday period. The latest Olympic coin dated 2011 for general release focuses on the subject of Football. Often referred to as the “beautiful game” it is thought to be the most widely supported and watched sport in the world.

The coin’s design was inspired by the “offside rule” which is actually explained on the reverse design of the coin itself. It is said that most fans find the offside rule simple to understand but somewhat difficult to explain, the coin does a very good job indeed of explaining the rule with its simple diagram and text. The coin is part of an overall set of 29 fifty pence coins which were produced to commemorate the upcoming summer Olympiad, to be held in London this summer from the 27^th July to the 12^th August 2012.

Submitted by production journalist Neil Wolfson as part of a campaign to encourage the public to design any one of the coins, the design is one of the more unusual ones to have been accepted by the Royal Mint and has since its release has been one of the more sought-after coins in the series. Neil chose to design the Football coin because of his love of the sport.

Commenting on his offside rule design Neil said: “The offside rule is always a talking point so I wanted to create something to original to reflect that. It’s a case of ‘lateral thinking', so to speak!”

The base metal coin series is available from the Royal Mint in specially packaged presentation cards either individually or as part of the 29 coin set.

For more information on this and all of the coins offered for the Olympics, please visit the Royal mint’s website at: http://www.royalmint.com/olympicgames/SportsCollection/London-2012-50p-sports-collection.aspx?promcode=FW250

Charles Dickens £2 Commemorative Coin Celebrates Bicentennial

Michael Alexander — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:58:08 +0000

The Royal Mint have launched (5^th December) a new coin commemorating the 200th birthday of literary giant Charles Dickens. The coin features a profile of the author created from the titles of some of his most famous works.

Born on 7 February 1812, Charles Dickens is considered to be the quintessential Victorian author, with his unforgettable and often harsh depiction of nineteenth-century life. Drawing on subject matters from his own experiences, alongside inspiration from friends and family, his characters from novels including David Copperfield, Great Expectations and Oliver Twist have become true icons of English literature.

Artist Matthew Dent (who designed the reverse of the current “coat of arms” British circulation coins) has arranged well known titles from Dickens’ novels to create a unique and innovative portrait of the author, literally in his own words. From his Sketches by Boz, to his last and unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the coin is a uniquely styled bibliography of Dickens’ literary masterpieces, referencing much loved classics including The Old Curiosity Shop, Nicholas Nickelbey and A Christmas Carol. The inscription next to the portrait reads “1812 CHARLES DICKENS 1870”.

On the edge of the coin is an inscription which features the quotation “Something Will Turn Up”, spoken by the ever optimistic Wilkins Micawber in David Copperfield, Dickens’ own favourite story. A character based on Dickens’ own father, Micawber’s name has become synonymous with someone who lives in hopeful expectation.

The obverse of the coin includes the well-known effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley along with the coin’s denomination and year “2012”.

The bi-metallic coin is struck in both cupro-nickel (centre disc) and nickel-brass (outer ring) with a combined weight of 12 grams and a diameter of 28.4 mm. The circulation strikes of this coin are expected to be released in the spring 2012.Celebrating a great literary past during this Christmas season, the Charles Dickens £2 Brilliant Uncirculated commemorative coin in a special presentation folder is available from the Royal Mint website. Precious metal versions of this exceptional coin (Gold and Silver) will be available from 30^th January 2012.

For more information, please visit the Royal Mint’s website at: http://www.royalmint.com/store/BritishBase/UKCD12BU.aspx

2012 United Kingdom Proof Set Now Available

Michael Alexander — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:22:11 +0000

The Royal Mint have launched (29th November) the United Kingdom proof set for 2012, which will include no less than 10 coins in the standard set. The year 2012 will be both an historical and significant year for the United Kingdom as the XXX Olympiad will be hosted by London and Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, only the second English Monarch to reach this auspicious anniversary.

The coin set will include the excellent commemorative £5 crown which marks the Queen’s anniversary. This coin includes two separate portraits of the Queen, the first time that a legal tender coin will portray the reigning Monarch on the obverse and reverse. The obverse portrait captures Her Majesty dressed in formal Garter Robes, with gravitas and stately bearing. The reverse, inspired by the first portrait of The Queen to appear on coins in 1953, features a young monarch classically depicted wearing a laurel wreath with the accompanying Latin words Dirige Deus Gressus Meos – May God Guide My Steps.

The second commemorative coin with a face value of £2 is issued for the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens. Created by graphic designer, Matthew Dent, (who also created the “puzzle” reverse designs for the UK circulation coins) the coin features a profile of the author created from titles of some of his most famous works and features the edge inscription “Something Will Turn Up”, a phrase spoken by the ever optimistic Mr Micawber in David Copperfield, Dickens’ own favorite story.

The remainder of the set is comprised of the presently circulating 1 penny to £2 series including the coat of arms series circulation coins. There are two options available for the proof coins, a “Collector Proof set” and a “Premium Proof Set”. Included in the premium set is an uncommon crown size medal with a calligraphic design denoting the “2012” set, the first time a medal of this type has been included in a proof set offering this option of presentation. Encased within a handsome walnut –veneer presentation box with its own pair of numismatist gloves and a full-colour booklet detailing information on each coin and with an integral Certificate of Authenticity, attesting to the low worldwide limited edition of 3,500 sets world-wide.

For more information on this and other coins offered by the Royal Mint for 2011 and 2012, please visit their website at: http://www.royalmint.com/store/catalogue/collectable/sets.aspx

One Kilogram Silver and Gold Coins Join the UK’s 2012 Olympic Coin Program

Michael Alexander — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:36:26 +0000

On 22^nd November, The Royal Mint launched their first ever One Kilogram in weight coins in celebration the next Summer Olympiad which is to be hosted in London from July 2012. The weight of one kilogram (1000 grams) is the first of their kind ever produced by the Royal Mint. With their own Metropolitan London Police escort, the coins were unveiled amongst the splendid surroundings of the Royal Academy of Art in central London to an auditorium of journalists and art critics who gave their tacit nod of approval to the two medallic works from two of the country’s most eminent artists with longstanding ties to the Royal Academy and with respected and international reputations for excellence and innovation. This project is also the first collaboration between the Royal Mint and the Royal Academy of Art as both artists are themselves members of the Academy.

Sir Anthony Caro, designer of the gold example, expressed his delight at having been approached to undertake such an important task and explained his interpretation of his design and the significance it had to the modern games. Depicting sports equipment used for weight-lifting, boxing, football and athletics, the group of objects are framed by a laurel wreath with the “London 2012” logo placed just above the crossed stems of the sprigs of laurel. Sir Anthony described his own design as something more of a sculptural medal design rather than that of a traditional coin. The Royal Mint also confirmed that due to the intricate aspects of this unique design, a special press along with a different technique was used to obtain the highest relief possible and never seen previously on an actual coin.

Tom Phillips, artist, composer and writer, with previous experience in designing coinage for the UK was chosen for the silver coin. Tom has made use of style-lettering the main theme and focus of the primary design. The artist commented that it was his intention to add something special to the design by including a phrase “UNITE OUR DREAMS TO MAKE THE WORLD A TEAM OF TEAMS”. This portion of the design provides the legend encircling the central motif which includes a circle of pennants which also serves to remind us of the Olympic flame. The silver coin is substantially thicker than its gold counter-part with a reeded edge and is struck to a proof quality.

The two coins, which took an act of Parliament in order to give them legal tender status was itself only finalized just weeks before the striking date and are now the largest legal tender coins in terms of both their face value and size, issued by the Treasury of the United Kingdom. The obverse of the coin includes the well-known effigy of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley along with the face value and year of issue, 2012. The gold version carries a face value of 1000 pounds while the silver example has a face value and 500 pounds. Both coins have a diameter of 100 mm. With just 60 examples of the gold matte-proof coin, they are also one of the rarest in modern British issues.

For more information on these rare and extraordinary pieces of Olympic & numismatic history, please visit the website of the Royal Mint at: http://www.royalmint.com/olympicgames/London-2012-kilo-coins.aspx

Exceptional Additions to the UK 2012 Olympic Coin Program

Michael Alexander — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:25:36 +0000

The Royal Mint have announced (14th November) that two new coins will be issued in conjunction with the 2012 Olympiad to be staged in London from July of 2012. These two coins, one for the Olympic Games and one for the Paralympics are issued in addition to the current “Countdown” crown series. They were designed by members of the public and selected following a Royal Mint competition for art and design students attending higher education colleges and universities across the UK. Students were challenged to create a design celebrating the capital’s role as host city of London 2012, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games logos. Designs were requested that could be symbolic or literal and could involve the use of emblems or lettering.

London 2012 Olympics: Designed by 24-year-old architectural student Saiman Miah, The inspiration for his design came from his love of architecture and includes a detailed impression of London’s iconic skyline. Saiman also incorporates pictograms of athletes around the edge of the skyline to create a clock face referencing to another London icon, Big Ben. The official London 2012 Olympics logo, which is given a “Union Jack” colorized look (precious metal strikes only), is positioned at the top of the primary design.

London 2012 Paralympics: Designed by graphic and media design graduate Pippa Sanderson, who cleverly intertwines the elements of five circular objects or those associated with circles, that of a spiked wheel, the portion of an archery board, the familiar face of Big Ben, a stopwatch, and a minute hand of a watch. Pippa’s design celebrates accuracy, maneuverability and speed by using the round shape of the coin along with circles split into these four sections. The official London 2012 Paralympics logo, which is given a “Union Jack” colorized look (precious metal strikes only), is positioned towards the lower left of the primary design.

The obverse of both coins includes the iconic effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II which was sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley and in use on British & Commonwealth circulation and commemorative coinage from 1998. The face value of five pounds and the year of issue “2012” appears on the obverse legend.

The 2012 Olympic coin is produced in Proof 22 ct. Gold proof (.916 fine) with a weight of 39.94 grams and a mintage limit of 5,000. Proof Sterling silver with a weight of 28 grams and a mintage total of 100,000 pieces. A proof quality sterling silver gold-plated issue will have a mintage of 12,500 pieces. There will also be a special Piedfort proof issue in sterling silver with a weight of 56 grams and a mintage of 7,000 pieces. An FDC Cupro-nickel version is also available without mintage limit, all coins have a diameter of 38 mm.

The Paralympic coins are available in most of the variations above with a mintage of 2,012 pieces for the Gold proof, 10,000 pieces for the sterling silver proof, 2,012 pieces for the sterling silver piedfort and no limit for the cupro-nickel version.

For more information on these and other coins offered by the Royal Mint, please visit their website at: http://www.royalmint.com/olympicgames/london-2012-official-coins/official-london-2012-coin.aspx

Royal Mint Launches 2012 Silver Britannia Coins

Michael Alexander — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:27:20 +0000

The Royal British Mint have launched (1^st November) the designs for the 2012 Silver Britannia bullion coin, which has had an annual mintage since 1997. The gold Britannia celebrates its 25^th anniversary in 2012 with the first issues being struck in 1987.

The reverse of the 2012 coin re-creates the original depiction of Britannia which was sculpted by Philip Nathan. He is the designer of a number of other coins for the Royal Mint including the Royal Wedding crown of the Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, a portrait to mark the late Queen Mother’s 80^th birthday, and an official coin design for Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip’s Golden Wedding anniversary, just to name but a few. Nathan’s design portrays Britannia as a standing figure, depicting her in a classical, flowing gown, armed with her trident and shield, and wearing a Corinthian helmet. He succeeded in creating an instantly recognisable female personification of the British Isles.

The obverse of the coin carries the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II which was sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley and in use on British circulation and commemorative coinage since 1998. The denomination of “2 POUNDS” appears below the portrait on the obverse.

The coin is struck in Britannia Silver (.958 fine) with a weight of 32.45 grams and a diameter of 40 mm. The coin is available in both FDC and proof quality. The 2012 Silver Britannia is available from today.

For more information on this and other coins offered by the Royal mint, please visit their website at: http://www.royalmint.com/

2012 Gold Sovereign Features New Rendition of St. George Slaying the Dragon

Michael Alexander — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:15:15 +0000

The Royal Mint have launched (19th October) their latest coin which has been specially crafted to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The 2012 Gold Sovereign coins will carry a brand new reverse design for one year only to celebrate the occasion.

The reverse of the Sovereign gold coins usually carries the imposing and classical depiction of St. George slaying the dragon sculpted by celebrated artist Benedetto Pistrucci, chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1817 to 1849. The fresh rendition of St. George for the 2012 collection is by British sculptor Paul Day whose design for the Royal Mint shows a ferocious dragon being fought by a knight in Gothic armor. The obverse design includes the present portrait of the Queen sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley.

Paul Day explained his reverse design, which was approved by Her Majesty the Queen, "I have always been attracted to detail which requires a closer look to be unpicked and fully understood. I have deliberately left very little empty space. This is to make the reverse as engaging as possible and in complete contrast to the obverse."

The new design commissioned for the Diamond Jubilee year will feature on the ¼, ½, one sovereign, the double sovereign and five pound gold coin. These coins are offered by the Royal Mint in various combinations of single coins, three and five coin sets. The gold coin strikes are in proof quality and minted in .917 (22 ct) fine gold.

For more information on these and other coins already on offer for the Jubilee year celebrations, please visit the website of the Royal Mint at: http://www.royalmint.com/store/catalogue/collectable/sovereigntheme.aspx

Royal British Mint Launches Queen’s Diamond Jubilee £5 Coin

Michael Alexander — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:51:07 +0000

The Royal Mint today (11^th October) have launched the commemorative crown which celebrates the 60^th year of reign, or the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which will occur from the 6^th February 2012. The “Two Portraits” coin is the first of it’s kind, as no other coin of the realm has ever carried separate portraits of the reigning Monarch.

Designed by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, the coin celebrates a remarkable royal milestone. The use of the two portraits encapsulate the Queen’s 60 years on the throne which began in 1952, a regal achievement matched only by the reign of Queen Victoria, the Queen’s great-great grandmother who reigned from 1837 to 1901.

The obverse of this unique coin depicts the first of the new portraits which is a contemporary head and shoulders image of Her Majesty facing right and dressed in formal Garter Robes, captured with gravitas and stately bearing. The legend “ELIZABETH II D: G: REG: F: D: FIVE POUNDS” is seen surrounding the portrait. The reverse portrait is borrowed from the queen’s very first set of circulation coinage struck in 1953. Sculpted by Mary Gillick, the young monarch was classically depicted, wearing a laurel crown. Underneath the shoulders of the Queen is a sprig of laurel. Along the portrait to the right, is the text in Latin which reads” DIRIGE DEUS GRESSUS MEOS” (May God Guide My Steps) To the left of the portrait, the year “2012”.

Combined, the “Two Portraits” coin tells a celebratory story of a rich, historical reign, from the fresh and optimistic beginning of a new Elizabethan era to the gravitas of an assured and dignified Head of State, 60 years on. Mr Rank-Broadley’s contemporary obverse design was inspired by the bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II he made in 2009, which is situated in the Supreme Court. The use of foliage on the reverse of the new coin is a pleasing link to the Diamond Jubilee medal of Queen Victoria, the only other British monarch to achieve her Diamond Jubilee. The Latin words Dirige Deus Gressus Meos – May God Guide My Steps again makes reference to Queen Victoria as they appeared on the Una and the Lion coin of 1839 which was the first coin to carry Queen Victoria’s portrait.

The official UK £5 cupro-nickel coin to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is available now from the Royal Mint’s website at: www.royalmint.com

The precious metal coins will be available in Silver Proof, Silver Piedfort, Gold Plated Silver, Gold and Platinum from January 2012.

Royal Mint 2011 Sovereign £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Gold Coin

Michael Alexander — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:43:25 +0000

The Royal Mint has launched (29^th September) the 2011 £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Gold Coin, the last - and largest - of the 2011 Gold Sovereign collection. From September 2011 this rare and beautiful coin, struck in 22 carat gold, (.917 fine) will be available to purchase directly from the Royal Mint.

The Sovereign features on the obverse, Her Majesty the Queen’s portrait designed by acclaimed sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, FRBS, whose effigy of the monarch has appeared on UK and Commonwealth circulating coins since 1998. On the reverse, a magnificent rendition of classical engraver Benedetto Pistrucci’s renowned design of St George slaying the dragon, which first appeared on the £5 gold coin denomination in 1820, becoming synonymous with British coinage ever since. Staying true to the original detail and process of craftsmanship, the Royal Mint’s present engraving team used original tools from the 1820s and 1870s. Through a careful process the Royal Mint’s workshop created new tools, to sharpen the original masterpiece, accurately reflecting the detail and relief of Pistrucci’s artistry across every coin in the 2011 Sovereign range.

Containing as much gold as five single Sovereigns, the £5 gold Brilliant Uncirculated coin is the largest in the family of Royal Mint Sovereigns, (1.1770 oz) befitting its status as an iconic, respected and instantly recognizable coin across the world, synonymous with Britain itself. Originally created by Royal edict from King Henry VII in an effort to develop “a new money of gold” reflecting the dignity, stability and prestige of his kingdom, this most admired of coins acquired the nickname “Sovereign” for its supreme size and value.

A new Sovereign series redesign is planned by the Royal Mint to commemorate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the 2011 £5 gold coin is the last mintage of the traditional Pistrucci design until 2013, making it a key issue in the coin’s history. A maximum of 1,000 £5 gold coins will be struck to Brilliant Uncirculated quality. The limited edition 2011 coin is the only £5 gold to be made available as a single coin in its own presentation case, and not as part of a collection.

The 2011 £5 gold Brilliant Uncirculated coin weighs 39.94 grams of .917 fine gold with a diameter of 36 mm. It is accompanied by an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity and is housed in a luxurious walnut-veneer presentation case.

For ordering information on this and other coins available, please visit the Royal Mint’s website at www.royalmint.com.