World Coin of the Year winners announced

At the recent World Money Fair held in Berlin, Germany, ‘The Coin of the Year’ (sponsored by World Coin News) winners were announced.

First held back in 1984, the awards are designed to, “…recognise the best of the coiner’s art and to encourage world mints to continue to challenge themselves in creating these great numismatic works.”

It’s safe to say that some of the winning coins are spectacular! I hope you enjoy looking through this range of amazing coin designs, don’t forget to let us know which is your favourite!

Best Circulating Coin

China Banknote Printing and Minting, 10 Yuan, Bi-Metallic. “Year of the Monkey” (Image: Numismatic News)

Most Inspirational Coin

Royal Canadian Mint, 20 Dollars, Silver. “Mother Earth”. (Image: Numismatic News)

Best Bi-Metallic Coin

Austrian Mint, 25 Euro, Bi-Metallic Niobium Silver. “Time”. (Image: Numismatic News)

Most Artistic Coin

Bank of Latvia, 5 Euro, Silver. “National Entrepreneur”. (Image: Numismatic News)

Most Innovative Coin

German Federal Ministry of Finance, 5 Euro, Copper-Nickel. “Planet Earth”. (Image: Numismatic News)



What’s your coin of the year?

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I’m sure you’ll agree that 2016 has been a great year for coin collectors with so many significant anniversaries being commemorated and some fantastic designs.

So which coin do you think deserves to be the ‘2016 Coin of the Year’ winner?

Cast your vote now using the poll at the bottom of the page.

A) The Queen’s 90th Birthday £5

RHSPMC st, 21/1/05, 1:03 pm, 8C, 2408x2504 (1303+1657), 75%, chrome 7 stops, 1/50 s, R102.0, G63.3, B87.4

To celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday, this special £5 coin was released.  Designed by Christopher Hobbs, the new coin features a crowned Royal Cypher above the number 90, surrounded by roses.

B) The Great Fire of London £2

RHSPMC st, 21/1/05, 1:03 pm, 8C, 2408x2504 (1303+1657), 75%, chrome 7 stops, 1/50 s, R102.0, G63.3, B87.4

This £2 coin marks 350 years  since the Great Fire destroyed virtually all of the old walled City of London. The coin was designed by Aaron West and depicts the city of London burning in flames from a distance.

C) The WW1 Army £2

The 2016 UK WWI £2 Coin

This £2 is the third issue in The Royal Mint’s five year First World War Centenary series and commemorates the role of the Army. Designed by Tim Sharp, the coin honours the ‘Pals Battalions’ and marks a poignant moment in military history.

D) The Shakespeare Tragedies £2

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This £2 is one of three that celebrate William Shakespeare’s life work and commemorates the 400th anniversary since his death. Designed by John Bergdahl, the coin takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy play, Romeo and Juliet.

E) The Shakespeare Comedies £2

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To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, this £2 coin has been issued. Designed by John Bergdahl, the £2 coin takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s most famous comedy play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

F) The Shakespeare Histories £2

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This £2 is one of three coins issued to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of Britain’s greatest playwright. Designed by John Bergdahl, this coin takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s most famous history play, Macbeth.

G) The Last ‘Round’ £1

RHSPMC st, 21/1/05, 1:03 pm, 8C, 2408x2504 (1303+1657), 75%, chrome 7 stops, 1/50 s, R102.0, G63.3, B87.4

This £1 is the final ’round pound’ issued by The Royal Mint, calling time on a coin which was first issued more than thirty years ago. Designed by Gregory Cameron, the coin features the animals that represent each of the four constituent UK countries.

H) The Beatrix Potter 50p

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To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter, The Royal Mint have released this 50p to celebrate Beatrix herself. Designed by Emma Noble, this coin features some of the best-loved characters in children’s literature along with the nostalgic font used in the inscription.

I) The Peter Rabbit 50p

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The ‘Tale of Peter Rabbit’ was the first of Beatrix Potter’s tales and the mischievous character has been captured in the centre of this 50p coin, designed by Emma Noble.

J) The Jemima Puddle-Duck 50p

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The ‘Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck’ features a domestic duck, names Jemima, whose character is featured on this 50p coin. Designed by Emma Noble, Jemima Puddle-Duck is instantly recognisable in the centre of the coin.

K) The Mrs Tiggy-Winkle 50p

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Mrs Tiggy-Winkle is the fourth release in the Beatrix Potter 50p series. Designed by Emma Boble, the conscientious hedgehog features on this 50p in her washerwoman’s dress and petticoat.

L) The Squirrel Nutkin 50p

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Designed by Emma Noble, the loveable rogue ‘Squirrel Nutkin’ features at the very heart of this 50p – with his whiskers and once bushy tail captured in great detail.

M) The Battle of Hastings 50p

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Struck to mark the 950th Anniversary of The Battle of Hastings, this coin depicts the fate of King Harold at the hands of William The Conqueror, along with the date 1066 – when the battle took place.

N) The Team GB 50p

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This 50p was issued to wish Team GB success in Rio de Janieiro at the 2016 Summer Olympics. The coin features a swimmer with the Team GB logo and Olympic rings, an original design created for Rio 2016 by Tim Sharp.

Cast your vote now!