UK Coin Issues
The UK’s FIRST Coronation 50p!
In anticipation for King Charles III’s Coronation on 6th May 2023, the Official UK Coronation coins were revealed – including the FIRST EVER UK Coronation 50p!
In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about these coins issued to mark a huge historical milestone.
2023 UK Coronation 50p
The most significant royal event of our generation was celebrated with a UK 50p coin, struck by The Royal Mint to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III.
This was the UK’s FIRST coronation 50p as Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 was marked with a Crown coin.
The design features the royal cypher set against Westminster Abbey, where the King was crowned.
But, what makes this coin particularly special is a feature you eagle eyed collectors will be sure to spot.
Simply take a look on the obverse of this 50p and you’ll notice it differs from other King Charles III coins…
That’s because The Royal Mint created a collector version of the coin with an unusual twist – showing a crowned effigy of the King!
Whilst we’ve all grown familiar with seeing a crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth on our coins, traditionally male monarchs do not wear crowns on UK coinage – which is why the standard King Charles coins show him uncrowned.
However, breaking from tradition to commemorate this remarkable royal event, the King Charles III Coronation 50p shows His Majesty wearing the Tudor Crown.
This special obverse design is only available in collector quality and can’t be found in your change – making for a unique addition to any collection.
Is the UK’s FIRST Coronation 50p the most sought-after coin EVER?
Collecting firsts are key for driving up demand – just think back to the worldwide popularity of the UK’s first royal 50p – the Platinum Jubilee 50p.
Within the first 24 hours of release, all limited edition presentations of the Platinum Jubilee 50p completely SOLD OUT!
In fact, even the Brilliant Uncirculated quality presentations of the Platinum Jubilee 50p and £5 coins are still selling for £26 on secondary market sites.
AND, the circulating version of the Platinum Jubilee 50p recently sold for £20 on eBay.
Coronation celebrated on UK’s flagship royal coin
Alongside the 50p coin, The Royal Mint also issued a brand new UK £5 – the flagship royal coin.
The reverse design by Timothy Noad features a depiction of St. Edward’s Crown, accompanied by the sovereign’s sceptre with dove and the sovereign’s sceptre with cross with the inscription “THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III 6 MAY 2023”.
The obverse also features the special crowned portrait of His Majesty, created especially for the Coronation Coin Range.
This £5 coin is the perfect pairing to the UK’s first coronation 50p. Get your hands on it in Brilliant Uncirculated quality >>
Don’t miss out on owning the 2023 Coronation £5
The 2023 Coronation 50p is no longer available, however you can still secure the Coronation £5 in Brilliant Uncirculated quality from Change Checker >>
Mythical Merlin celebrated on NEW UK coin!
Powerful and eccentric Arthurian wizard, Merlin, features on a brand new UK £5 coin!
As the second £5 coin in the new Myths and Legends series, the 2023 UK Merlin £5 coin bears a design fitting of the mythical wizard…
Click here to order the brand new 2023 UK Merlin CERTFIED BU £5 coin >>
The design
On the reverse of the coin, you’ll see Merlin is poised with a magical staff, ready to wield his power. But, you can also spot Archimedes the owl sitting serenely on the wizard’s shoulder – a character from author T. H. White’s The Sword in the Stone!
Plus, designer David Lawrence has given collectors a peek at mythical island Avalon in the background, while Martin Jennings’ portrait of King Charles III features on the obverse of the coin.
The mythology of Merlin
The origins of Merlin can be traced back to the 12th Century, when British author Geoffrey of Monmouth established the magical mage within his works. Medieval texts saw Merlin not only prophesise and shapeshift, but also create the famous Wiltshire monument, Stonehenge!
Through countless generations, the tales of Merlin have largely revolved around King Arthur. The wizard is said to have contrived Arthur’s birth before guiding the future king to reign over England!
2023 UK King Arthur £5
Plus, King Arthur features in the Myths and Legends UK £5 series too, carrying a sword of Merlin’s creation – Excalibur!
Find out more about the King Arthur £5 coin here >>
2023 UK Merlin CERTIFIED BU £5
The mythical Merlin has been celebrated by joining the Myths and Legends coin series – and we’re excited to see which legend will feature next! Comment below your guesses…
Bring the legend of Merlin to life by owning this £5 now for just £13.99 (+p&p) >>
Hogwarts School Coin Completes UK’s FIRST Dual-Portrait 50p Series!
Brewing excitement amongst collectors and Harry Potter fans alike, in 2022, The Royal Mint announced the UK’s FIRST EVER Harry Potter 50p series!
The series included four magical designs and two different monarch’s portraits!
The fourth and final coin in the series, celebrating 25 years since the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, features the place where all the magic takes place – Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!
Hogwarts School 50p
Unlike the first two 50p coins in the series, this coin has been struck bearing King Charles III’s effigy on the obverse! And, it’s this collectable dual portrait aspect of the series that has got 50p collectors talking…
Add the 2023 UK Hogwarts School CERTIFIED BU 50p to your collection today by clicking here >>
Harry Potter 50p
To the delight of both Harry Potter fans and 50p collectors, the first Harry Potter UK 50p was issued in 2022!
Hogwarts Express
2022 also saw the second coin in the popular series: the Hogwarts Express 50p! The design depicts Jim Kay’s wonderful illustration of the famous train, seen above!
Order your 2023 UK Hogwarts Express CERTIFIED Brilliant Uncirculated 50p here >>
Professor Dumbledore
Professor Dumbledore featured on the third Harry Potter 50p, and so did King Charles III! The obverse shows the new monarch and the 2023 date for the first time in the series, adding another element of collectability to this exciting series.
Add the Professor Dumbledore 50p to your collection >>
Secure the 2023 Hogwarts School 50p
