Demand for King Charles III Coins reaches across the pond

Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, there’s been a huge shake up in the numismatic world. Not only have collectors been rushing to secure the very last coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II, but wanting to be the first to own new coins bearing King Charles III’s effigy.

But UK collectors aren’t the only ones wanting to collect new King Charles III coins…

King Charles III Coins
King Charles III Coins

A recent survey carried out by The Royal Mint revealed that coin collectors in the United States are interested in collecting new UK commemorative coins. Coin collectors in the US said their attitude to UK coins is changing as a new British monarch takes to the throne.

The figures

  • 21% of US coin collectors said they see the start of King Charles III’s reign as an opportunity to begin collecting UK commemorative coins.
  • 44% of US coin collectors already purchase UK commemorative coins.
The Royal Mint Survey Results
The Royal Mint Survey Results
  • 54% of US collectors of UK commemorative coins say they plan to increase their UK commemorative coin spend in 2023.
  • 76% of US collectors of UK commemorative coins have a positive view of King Charles III. This rose to 81% among a younger audience.
The Royal Mint Survey Results
The Royal Mint Survey Results

The Head of International Marketing at The Royal Mint, Josh Nesfield, said: “This new research shows growing appetite among US collectors for UK commemorative coins and how the change in UK monarchy is creating new coin interests for US Coin Collector.  For years, The Royal Mint has supported US coin collectors as they build their UK commemorative coin collections. We are delighted that more collectors plan to start building their UK coin collections.”

What does this mean for UK collectors?

This encouraging research highlights a continued appetite for UK coins among US numismatists, with it undeniably increasing in line with the new monarchy. The increasing excitement among US collectors means that demand for new UK coins will be at an all time high, especially during the lead up to King Charles III’s coronation.

Considering this, collectors will want to act fast to make sure they don’t miss out on owning these significant issues. Especially as demand is sure to increase in years to come. 

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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

King Arthur £5 coin.
2023 UK King Arthur CERTIFIED BU £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) >>

Myths and Legends: King Arthur £5 JUST ISSUED!

Legendary British king and wielder of sword Excalibur, King Arthur features on brand new UK £5 coin!

Myths and Legends £5 series kick-starts with King Arthur £5. Reverse shows the legendary King and his famous Excalibur sword in hand.
The obverse behind shows King Charles III.
Background image shows stones and a sword.
The 2023 King Arthur £5. Get your hands on it here >>

The 2023 UK King Arthur £5 coin has been issued as part of a new coin series of Myths and Legends. And, as one of the first King Charles III coin series, it’s sure to get collectors talking!

The design

David Lawrence, renowned for detailed £5 coin designs, shows King Arthur poised with the Excalibur sword in hand – the perfect tribute to a legendary figure!

The design has previously been struck on a 2023 1oz Silver coin, pictured below. But, can you spot the differences?

King Arthur 1oz Silver Coin
2023 King Arthur 1oz Silver Coin

Not only do the metal, denomination and inscription differ, but the 1oz Silver coin also features Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy! A dual portrait pair such as this is exciting news for both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III collectors!

Start your Myths and Legends £5 collection by securing the 2023 UK King Arthur CERTIFIED BU £5 here >>

The mythology of King Arthur

So, why have The Royal Mint dedicated a new £5 coin to King Arthur? Well, Arthurian mythology is still a topic of interest in the 21st century, despite the legend originating in the 9th-10th centuries!

Many historians have tried to prove whether or not the legend of Arthur was king of England, with history professor Ronald Hutton speaking to BBC’s History Extra in 2020 about how we can be certain of one thing. ‘[T]he battle of Mount Badon, which is recorded in both of our earliest texts as one of Arthur’s greatest victories.’

But, even if King Arthur is just a myth, his legendary tale is nothing short of entertaining!

He has been portrayed as a noble knight who wielded a magical sword, Excalibur. The sword itself is surrounded by mythology, with the a 15th century text (Le Morte d’Arthur) stating that whoever pulls the sword out of a stone is the rightful king of England!

And in 1938, author T. H. White wrote a much-loved children’s novel titled The Sword in the Stone! White’s story also features mythological wizard, Merlin, who guides young Arthur along his journey to becoming England’s rightful king.

Therefore, with the legend of King Arthur engrained in British history, it’s only fitting that The Royal Mint have struck a brand new coin to celebrate him!

Add the 2023 UK King Arthur CERTIFIED BU £5 to your collection >>

2023 UK King Arthur CERTIFIED BU £5

Kickstart your King Charles III £5 collection with the brand new King Arthur £5, struck to a Brilliant Uncirculated quality! Simply click here to order yours for £13.99 (+p&p) >>