Posts by Change Checker
Will the Battle of Hastings 50p be the rarest coin of 2016?
It has been revealed that five million 50p coins that commemorate the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 have been struck for circulation.
The coin features the image of King Harold with an arrow through his eye, taken from the Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman Invasion of Britain where he was defeated by William the Conqueror.
The Battle of Hastings coin could be the fifth rarest 50p in circulation! *Excluding the 2011 Olympic 50p Series
At just 5 million, this would make the Battle of Hastings 50p the fifth rarest 50p coin currently in circulation. Considering that the mintages of 50p’s usually overly exceed 7 million, it’s possible that the Battle of Hastings fifty pence will be the rarest coin of 2016.
Confirmation of the 2016 mintage figures wont be released by The Royal Mint until next year but as you can see from the graph above the Battle of Hastings 50p will take fifth place – in between the 2008 Britannia 50p and the 1998 NHS 50p. As long as no more coins are struck for circulation.
But as there have been seven different 50p designs in 2016 I think it is safe to assume that no more of these will be struck.
Remember, when it comes to collecting, there is one fact which is always inevitable – the rarest coins are always in highest demand.
So keep your eyes peeled, these coins will be released into circulation very soon!
200 years of the Sovereign – Britain’s flagship coin
In 2017, we will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern sovereign – a coin renowned for its impeccable quality and craftsmanship.
The ‘Great Recoinage’ was the British government’s attempt to re-stabilise the currency of Great Britain following economic difficulties caused by both the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. On the 22nd June 1816, the Coinage Act was passed and was given Royal Assent.
Not only were silver coins reintroduced into circulation, the Gold Sovereign returned to become the symbol of Britishness across the Empire.
As we approach the 200th anniversary, we take a look at some of the key Sovereign designs through the years…
The designs that have appeared on Sovereigns throughout the years are all of significant importance but since the first ‘modern’ Sovereign 200 years ago, Benedetto Pistrucci’s St George and the dragon has become synonymous with the Sovereign, the gold coin that set new standards for accuracy that defined a currency.
Click here to download a pdf version of the Change Checker Sovereign graphic.
Own your own piece of numismatic history
Today you can reserve the brand new 2017 Bicentenary Gold Proof Sovereign
The 2015 Navy £2 is now one of the rarest coins ever!
The £2 coin that commemorates the Royal Navy’s efforts in World War One has just become one of the rarest UK coins in circulation.
The Royal Mint have confirmed that just 650,000 2015 Navy £2 coins have been struck for circulation, kicking the 2002 Commonwealth Games England £2 out of its 3rd place position.
Not only is the Navy £2 coin now the third rarest £2 coin in circulation, it is also the 4th rarest UK coin to date. Click here for the complete Change Checker Guide to UK Coin mintages.
The coin that features a battleship design by military artist David Rowlands and the 5th portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, is sure to become extremely sought after.
When it comes to collecting, there is one fact which is always inevitable – the rarest coins are always in highest demand.
So the next time you’re flicking through your coins, remember – all coins are not created equal! There are some you should count yourself lucky to have, and if you come across the 2015 Navy £2 – it might just be worth hanging on to it!
Find, Collect and Swap all of the UK commemorative coins you find in your change for free on the Change Checker app.
Visit www.changechecker.org to give it a go