Latest News from The Collector's Trove

Coins from The Royal Mint often record the most important moments but sometimes they make history themselves. On 15 February 1971, the United Kingdom made a monumental change to its currency, switching from the ancient system of pounds, shillings and pence to a new, decimal system. The day itself became known as Decimal Day and was a landmark moment for Britain and The Royal Mint, who struck billions of new coins for the changeover. Far from being an overnight switch, decimalisation took years of careful planning, a new factory and machinery, new production techniques and processes, and a huge information campaign.

Five decades later we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Decimal Day with a new 50p coin, featuring a reverse design created by Dominque Evans, a graphic designer at The Royal Mint, and Jody Clark's definitive portrait of Her Majesty The Queen on the obverse. Inspired by the currency that was replaced in 1971, the reverse design conveys the transition from pre-decimal to decimal coins.

The coin is available as a gold Proof Piedfort, silver Proof Piedfort, gold Proof, silver Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated edition.

For 2021, the Annual Sets celebrate individuals and events that have made a huge contribution to the history, the present and the future of the United Kingdom, and whose impact can be felt all over the world, through five specially selected commemorative coins:

• The 95th Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen
• The 250th Anniversary of the Birth of Sir Walter Scott
• The Life and Work of H.G. Wells
• The Life and Work of John Logie Baird
• The 50th Anniversary of Decimal Day

For centuries, The Sovereign has been closely associated with the monarch and has marked many royal celebrations and occasions. For 2021, this tradition continues as The Royal Mint's flagship coin celebrates the 95th birthday of Her Majesty The Queen. The Sovereign 2021 features the classic St George and the dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci, but for this year only, the coins of The Sovereign family carry a '95' crown privy mark. Size, style and placement had to be considered in the creation of the privy mark to ensure it would complement Pistrucci's iconic design. The Sovereign itself also has an additional feature this year; its milled edge has exactly 95 mills symbolising each year of Her Majesty's life.

Individual coins are available now, struck in The Sovereign's characteristic 22 carat gold and finished to our finest Proof standard. Three-coin and four-coin sets are also available and The Sovereign 2021 Five-Coin Gold Proof Set features every coin in The Sovereign family, from The Quarter-Sovereign to The Five-Sovereign Piece, which is only available as a Proof coin in this set.

In 1962, James Bond burst onto the silver screen in style, set against a backdrop of breathtaking locations, glamorous hotels, glittering soirées
and casino tables. The stylish spy has become a British icon, popular with audiences across the world for more than 50 years. 007 seamlessly mingles with the wealthy and powerful to bring down his enemies, and carefully chosen details, like the classic tuxedo, have become a familiar part of Bond's appearance. The Royal Mint is celebrating the secret agent with the third and final coin in the official United Kingdom coin series.

Featuring James Bond's classic dinner jacket and those famous words 'shaken not stirred' this latest release is a great way to continue the collection, or stands alone as an impressive Bond collectable. The coin is available in several editions, from a Brilliant Uncirculated edition to precious metal coins struck in strictly limited numbers. Each is presented in stylish packaging.

Loveable Winnie the Pooh is the latest family favourite to be brought to life in an official United Kingdom coin series joining some of our most popular releases to date. This brand new series is a nostalgic reminder for fans of the 'silly old bear' and his friends, inspired by the classic stories of A. A. Milne and the charming illustrations of E. H. Shepard.

First we meet Winnie the Pooh, shown just as we remember him, with an original illustration from the Winnie the Pooh storybooks. Later in 2020, Christopher Robin and Piglet will continue this new chapter for the inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood. Nine coins will be released in all over three years.

This is the first time the world of Winnie the Pooh has appeared on UK coins struck by The Royal Mint. Each coin will be available as a gold Proof edition, a colour printed silver Proof edition and a Brilliant Uncirculated edition, with the first coin featuring Winnie the Pooh available to order now.

A Loyal Companion

On 2 June 1953, Queen Elizabeth II became the thirty ninth monarch to be crowned at Westminster Abbey. Outside the entrance, The Queen's Beasts formed a guard of honour and a striking illustration of the royal line of descent. Taking its place amongst them was the White Greyhound of Richmond.

Swift and keen eyed, greyhounds were bred to chase game. Dogs of this kind were present in Britain during Roman times and were included in royal hunting packs as early as the twelfth century, enhancing their prestige.

In heraldry, the greyhound is associated with qualities such as fitness and skill, as well as faithfulness and loyalty. Elevated to royal status by Edward III, all of his descendants used the greyhound as a badge. It became closely associated with the House of Lancaster before passing to the Tudor family. Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch, displayed it to emphasise his dynastic right to rule.

The Queen's Beasts Collection continues with the ninth release in the series, a coin showcasing this magnificent heraldic beast. Available in a range of limited edition gold and silver Proof editions, as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition, acclaimed designer Jody Clark tempers the fantastical with realism to convey the greyhound's power and elegance.

Celebrating a Century of Agatha Christie Novels

Agatha Christie left an indelible mark on the world of crime fiction, creating the blueprint for murder mystery novels to follow. With a catalogue of work that extended from literature to stage theatre, Christie was a truly groundbreaking writer whose impact cannot be understated.

In honour of the 100th anniversary of Agatha Christie's first published novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, The Royal Mint is proud to celebrate the Queen of Crime with this wonderful commemorative ?2 coin.

The Second Coin to Celebrate Bond, James Bond

James Bond is the world famous, quintessentially British spy who has been thrilling audiences for decades. Now, more than 50 years later, 007 is as popular as ever and The Royal Mint is celebrating the secret agent with an official United Kingdom coin series.

The second coin in the collection explores the technology that has characterised the films, from exploding pens to ejector seats. Featuring 'Wet Nellie', the submarine car that appeared in The Spy Who Loved Me, the latest coin is a great way to continue the collection, or stands alone as a unique Bond collectable.

The coin is available in several editions, from a Brilliant Uncirculated edition to precious metal coins struck in strictly limited numbers. Each is presented in stylish and sophisticated packaging.

Exploring the wild side of the Tower's history

The popular Tower of London Collection began in 2019 and continues in 2020 with four new coins celebrating the iconic palace and fortress. The focus of the second coin in this year's collection is the Royal Menagerie, recalling a time when monkeys, elephants and even a polar bear roamed the Tower. Artist Timothy Noad has created a heraldic-inspired design featuring lions - once inhabitants of the Tower - surrounded by a Norman arched window which unifies this year's collection.

This popular series has been struck on £5 coins, traditionally called crowns and used to commemorate important royal events. The second coin is available now, struck in gold, silver and silver Piedfort editions, finished to our finest Proof standard and presented in a Royal Mint case. The coin is also available as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition housed in a foldout wallet. Each edition comes with tales from the Tower - London's first zoo.

United in Peace

Victory in Europe (VE) Day marked the end of the war in Europe, but in the Far East, Japan still had to be defeated. Fighting continued for three more months until the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki forced her to surrender. A war that had raged for six years, claimed millions of lives and brought suffering to an entire population was finally at an end.

Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced the news at midnight on 14 August, declaring a two-day public holiday beginning with Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. Up and down the country bonfires were lit and street parties were held as people joined together in celebration; reconciliation and rebuilding could finally begin.

Seventy-five years after the end of the Second World War, The Royal Mint recall the immense struggle and sacrifice to achieve lasting peace with a commemorative ?5 coin. Available in limited-edition gold Proof, silver Proof and silver Proof Piedfort editions, alongside a Brilliant Uncirculated edition, designers Matt Dent and Christian Davies capture the magnitude of events with a design inspired by stone inscriptions on war memorials.

The range is complemented by a special edition of The Sovereign struck on the day of the anniversary of VJ day itself, 15th August 2020.

New Horizons

The Mayflower is an integral part of U.S. history. For many Americans, its passengers helped plant the ideological seeds that would one day develop into the United States of America. In 2020 the world marks the Mayflower's difficult and emotional voyage across the Atlantic, with commemorations taking place in a number of the countries touched by the Pilgrims' tale.

Offering a British perspective of this unique and inspiring story, The Royal Mint has produced The 400th Anniversary of the Voyage of the Mayflower 2020 UK £2 Coin which is available in gold and silver Proof editions, as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition

Celebrating the Power of Kindness

Since its inception in 1870, the British Red Cross has helped millions of people in need across the globe. With more than 18,000 current domestic volunteers, this charity continues its humanitarian mission to this day, connecting human kindness with human crisis all over the world.

The Royal Mint is proud to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the British Red Cross with the very first UK coin dedicated to this national institution. Now, you too can honour this wonderful organisation on its special anniversary with this commemorative ?5 coin.

The Secret of Life

Rosalind Franklin was one of Britain's greatest scientists and her groundbreaking research led to breakthroughs in multiple fields. Best known for her contribution to enabling our understanding of DNA, she was also a world authority on the chemical structure of viruses, as well as coal and graphite.

Possessing a brilliant mind and exceptional work ethic, Franklin's exacting approach inspired those she worked with. Unwavering in her commitment until the end, her death from cancer, aged just 37, robbed Franklin of the awards and recognition that would surely have come during her lifetime.

The Royal Mint's Innovation in Science series continues with the second release, a 50p coin commemorating what would have been Franklin's 100th birthday. Available as a limited edition gold Proof, silver Proof and silver Proof Piedfort edition, as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition, Royal Mint graphic designer David Knapton restores Franklin's rightful legacy, putting her at the very heart of the DNA story.

Celebrating a Music Icon

Pop music has been one of the United Kingdom's most successful exports in recent decades, influencing people and cultures all over the world. In 2020 The Royal Mint is celebrating some of the country's most important artists ? individuals and bands who have helped shape our love of music. No such collection would make sense without the inclusion of Elton John, the superstar who has been delighting fans for more than half a century.

Born Reginald Dwight, Elton John displayed remarkable musical talent at a very young age. This underlying musicality and a passion for rock ?n? roll drove him to breakthrough from playing in pubs to become a global sensation. His record shows that he has made more than 4,000 performances in over 80 countries and sold in excess of 300 million records worldwide. Elton John is without doubt a British music legend.

Available as a one ounce and quarter-ounce gold Proof coin, one ounce colour-printed and half-ounce silver Proof coin, as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition, the Elton John coin is a great way for fans to honour this incredible artist.

Tales of the Earth

Countless books, films and games have helped to fuel our fascination with dinosaurs, some of the most aweinspiring animals to have ever walked the planet. British anatomist Richard Owen was the first scientist to realise that the fossilised remains of three creatures uncovered in nineteenth-century England shared common characteristics. He used the term 'Dinosauria' to describe this new group of animals in a paper published in 1842.

This coin is the latest release in the Dinosauria Collection and depicts Hylaeosaurus, one of the three extinct creatures that Owen realised were closely related. Available as a gold Proof, silver Proof, colour-printed silver Proof and a Brilliant Uncirculated edition, priced at £13.00, it shines the spotlight on one of Britain's less wellknown scientific triumphs.

The Adventure Concludes

After observing the Transit of Venus from Tahiti, Captain Cook opened sealed orders that directed him to search for the fabled Southern Continent. Finding nothing, he turned west, making for the North Island of New Zealand. Overcoming the initial hostility of indigenous Maori tribes, he was able to chart both islands, before crossing the Tasman Sea to Australia.

Anchoring in Botany Bay on 29 April 1770, Cook and his crew mapped the eastern coastline of 'New Holland', before beginning the journey home, finally arriving back in July 1771. They had in their possession a wealth of new found knowledge of these far and distant lands.

To mark his best known voyage of discovery, a unique design that spans three £2 coins has been created by designer and sculptor Gary Breeze. When the coins are placed together, the design can be seen as a whole. Available in gold Proof, silver Proof and as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition, this is the third and final coin in the series.

United in Celebration

8 May 1945, known as Victory in Europe (VE) Day, saw the beginning of the end of the Second World War ? the conflict that claimed the lives of millions and reshaped the future of countries and continents. With Germany defeated, victory celebrations took place across the free world. The relief was palpable: after nearly six years of conflict, the war in Europe was finally over.

75 years on, VE Day is recalled by the last of the generation that were there and celebrated by the many generations that followed. In 2020, we remember the first hopeful steps towards lasting peace and the promise of a brighter future. Available as limited-edition gold Proof, silver Proof and silver Proof Piedfort editions, as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition, a £2 coin commemorates this milestone for the nation. The range is complemented by a special edition of The Sovereign struck on the day of the anniversary itself ? a prestigious and permanent record of this landmark moment in British history.

The fifth and last UK coin to feature the mischievous bunny

Beatrix Potter's series of little tales are much loved by children and adults around the world, and there's one blue- jacketed bunny in particular that is undoubtedly the star of them all. Always on a new adventure, Peter Rabbit hops into the lives of other characters from the world that Beatrix Potter created. Over the past five years, Peter Rabbit and his friends have appeared on a number of 50p coins. Each year a new design has shown a different aspect of Peter Rabbit's cheeky personality and brave but mischievous nature.

For 2020, the spotlight is firmly on our favourite bunny as he appears on his fifth and last UK 50p coin, and is the only character featured in the collection for this year. The coin has been struck in three editions, including a gold Proof, silver Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated edition. Silver Proof editions feature vibrant colour printing and are presented in a beautifully printed acrylic block.

Tales of the Earth

Countless books, films and games have helped to fuel our fascination with dinosaurs, some of the most awe- inspiring animals to have ever walked the planet. British anatomist Richard Owen was the first scientist to realise that the fossilised remains of three creatures uncovered in nineteenth-century England shared common characteristics. He used the term 'Dinosauria' to describe this new group of animals in a paper published in 1842.

This coin is the second release in The Dinosauria Collection and depicts Iguanodon, one of the three extinct creatures that Owen realised were interrelated. Available as a gold Proof, silver Proof, colour silver Proof and a Brilliant Uncirculated edition priced at £10.00, it shines the spotlight on one of Britain's less well-known scientific triumphs.

Four new coins and four new stories, beginning with the White Tower

The Tower of London Collection from The Royal Mint began in 2019 with four coins celebrating almost a thousand years of history. The collection continues in 2020 with four new £5 coins featuring original designs by the heraldic artist Timothy Noad. Each coin explores a different element of the Tower of London's history - from the imposing White Tower to the palace's role as a Royal Menagerie, The Royal Mint and a notorious prison.

The first coin for 2020 explores William the Conqueror's White Tower - a symbol of power designed to impress and intimidate. Today the monumental building still stands tall, housing the awe-inspiring Royal Armouries collection, including the Line of Kings which showcases the armour of some of Britain's most famous monarchs.

The first coin in the 2020 collection is available now, struck in gold, silver Piedfort and silver editions, finished to our finest Proof standard and presented in a Royal Mint case. The coin is also available as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition housed in a fold-out wallet. Both come with packaging which includes tales from the Tower, created in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces.

Lines of Beauty and Wonder

William Wordsworth is one of the most popular poets to have written in the English language. Many people love the poem titled 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud', commonly known as "Daffodils", and it has been voted among the nation's favourites.

Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 and grew up near the Lake District in England. This beautiful landscape was his constant inspiration and led to him writing poetry credited with beginning the English Romantic period in literature. Lyrical Ballads, authored with Samuel Taylor Coleridge and published in 1798, is considered a stylistically ground-breaking collection of poems. The Prelude is Wordsworth's major work, a romantic epic that he worked on through his adult life. Wordsworth died in 1850 and is buried in his beloved Lake District, a short distance from where he was born.

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of William Wordsworth, The Royal Mint has struck a £5 coin celebrating his life and poetry.

A coin collection for 007 - celebrating the world's most famous spy

From Dr No to No Time To Die, James Bond has been depicted by six actors and appeared in 25 films with endless gadgets. Now, as the latest 007 film is released, The Royal Mint is celebrating the quintessentially British spy with a new coin collection exploring the technology, luxurious lifestyle and iconic imagery of the movies.

The collection begins with coins featuring the Aston Martin DB5 - the classic Bond car. A coin designed by graphic design partnership Christian Davies and Matt Dent shows the DB5 in profile and will be followed by two more coins, which, when placed together, will reveal a very famous motif. The coin is available in several editions, from a Brilliant Uncirculated coin to precious metal coins, plus Inspired Innovation editions which have an ultra-high relief and feature state-of-the-art micro-text.

Each coin is presented in specially designed, sophisticated packaging, perfect for any fan of James Bond, espionage or the classic films.

Tales of the Earth

Countless books, films and games have helped to fuel our fascination with dinosaurs, some of the most awe- inspiring animals to have ever walked the planet. British anatomist Richard Owen was the first scientist to realise that the fossilised remains of three creatures uncovered in nineteenth-century England shared common characteristics. He used the term 'Dinosauria' to describe this new group of animals in a paper published in 1842.

This coin is the first in an exciting new series celebrating the discovery of dinosaurs and depicts Megalosaurus, one of the three creatures that Owen realised were closely related. Available as a gold Proof, silver Proof, colour silver Proof and a Brilliant Uncirculated edition, priced at £10.00, it shines the spotlight on one of Britain's less well-known scientific triumphs.

The coin is available as:

• 50p Brilliant Uncirculated coin
• 50p Silver Proof coin
• 50p Silver Proof Printed coin
• 50p Gold Proof coin

A Coin to Observe a Key Moment in UK-EU History

On 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom officially withdraws from the European Union. The action comes as a result of a public referendum on 23 June 2016. To observe this moment in history The Royal Mint is issuing a 50p coin featuring the inscription 'Peace, prosperity and friendship to all nations'.

The coin is available as:

• 50p Brilliant Uncirculated coin
• 50p Silver Proof coin
• 50p Gold Proof coin
• Strike n the Day Sovereign

This coin is the first in a new series celebrating British Music Legends.

Emerging from the hard rock scene of the early 1970s, Queen developed a unique sound and theatrical stage presence that propelled them to global stardom. Loved by legions of loyal fans all over the world, almost 50 years after the classic line-up came together, new artists continue to be inspired by the band’s enduring legacy.

The coin is available as:

• £5 Brilliant Uncirculated coin
• 1/2oz Silver Proof coin
• 1oz Silver Proof coin
• 1/4oz Gold Proof coin
• 1oz Gold Proof coin

Britain's Longest Reigning King

The Royal Mint has struck a £5 coin to celebrate the life and legacy of George III - the first king of the United Kingdom and remains the longest reigning king in British history.

The coin is available as:

• £5 Brilliant Uncirculated coin
• £5 Silver Proof coin
• £5 Silver Proof Piedfort coin
• £5 Gold Proof coin

Monumental Stories in Miniature

The 2020 Annual Sets commemorate both the historic sailing of the Mayflower on its voyage to the 'New World', and Victory in Europe (VE) Day, towards the end of the Second World War. They also celebrate Dame Agatha Christie's murder mysteries, Team GB's participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, as well as the reign and legacy of George III.

The sets are available as:

• UK Definitive Set
• UK BU Annual Coin Set
• UK Collector Proof Coin Set
• UK Premium Proof Coin Set
• UK Silver Proof Piedfort Coin Set
• UK Silver Proof Coin Set
• UK Gold Proof Coin Set