BRITISH COINS, British Annual sets, British Annual coin sets, British Gold coins, British Gold Sovereign, British Silver coins.  The coinage of the United Kingdom is changing. Familiar designs that have served us well for almost 40 years will be replaced by a new set of designs, contemporary in treatment yet grounded in the traditions of the coinage. Now, in a new age, the time has come to rejuvenate the coinage by seeking designs that treat traditional symbols in an innovative and modern way. The series that has been chosen brings new life to the coinage and, like the decimal designs 40 years ago, draws inspiration from the very fabric of British history. The Royal Shield of Arms - The New Designs Revealed The Royal Mint is delighted to reveal to you the new designs that will appear on our coins. Individually, the coins focus on details of the shield of the Royal arms and when placed together they reveal the complete shield. View the new coin designs now Celebrate the Unveiling and Mark the End of an Era This is undoubtedly one of the most significant coin design changes in British history, and to mark this major numismatic milestone, the Royal Mint is offering an exciting range of limited-edition collections, giving collectors the opportunity to own a piece of numismatic history. As a powerful symbol of royal authority the Royal Arms, in its various forms, has featured on the coinage of almost every monarch since the reign of Edward III (1327-77). Coins were, and still are, issued under the personal authority of the monarch and came to be regarded as vehicles for royal imagery, whether in the form of a portrait or a monarch's personal Coat of Arms. Virtually unchanged since the reign of Queen Victoria, the Royal Arms is a symbol of the Queen's authority over the whole of the United Kingdom, and has been used to powerful effect by numismatic artists over the course of her reign. The modern £1 coin of 1983 appropriately bore the Royal Arms on its reverse, the detailed depiction by Eric Sewell now a famous symbol of British currency. This was followed in 1988 with a £1 reverse design by Derek Gorringe depicting a crowned shield of the Royal Arms, reminiscent of the early sovereigns of Queen Victoria. It is not surprising then that Matthew Dent chose the Royal Arms, and in particular the shield of the Royal Arms, as the theme for his innovative range of new designs. The Royal Arms is divided into four parts: England being represented by the three lions passant guardant in the first and fourth quarters, the Scottish lion rampant in the second and the harp of Ireland in the third, with all four quarters spread over the six coins from the 1p to the 50p. Completing the new range of coins is the £1 coin featuring the shield of the Royal Arms in its entirety, uniting the six fragmented elements into one design. The New Designs Revealed The new designs have been chosen via an open competition which was widely publicized in the national media in August 2005 and attracted 4,000 entries. The winning designer is 26-year-old Matthew Dent, originally from Bangor who now lives and works in London as a graphic designer.  After exploring a number of different options, Matthew Dent finally developed the heraldic theme, taking the greatest heraldic device ever used on coinage - the Royal Arms.  As you can see in the image to the right, the Shield of the Royal Arms has been given a contemporary treatment and its whole has been cleverly split among all six denominations from the 1p to the 50p, with the £1 coin displaying the heraldic element in its entirety. This is the first time that a single design has been used across a range of United Kingdom coins. The new designs will enter circulation gradually throughout the year. It is normal practice for banks to order coins from the Royal Mint to satisfy public demand, which fluctuates over the course of the year. The current coin designs will remain in circulation and as legal tender for the foreseeable future. To mark this major numismatic milestone, the Royal Mint is offering a range of magnificent limited-edition collections produced to Proof quality. The process of choosing the new designs to replace the familiar heraldic emblems on Britain's circulating coins began with a public competition. The competition generated more than 4,000 designs from over 500 people - the largest response to any public competition organized to change the British coinage.  Specially invited artists, Royal Mint engravers and artists from other European countries vied with people of all ages and sections of society. The brief allowed those taking part a free hand to prepare a coherent series of designs' and while they were encouraged to explore heraldic emblems and motifs, the door was left open for other ways in which to symbolize Britain.  Proof coins are produced to the highest quality. The modern minting process incorporates state-of-the-art technology as well as centuries-old hand skills of Royal Mint craftsmen, which are particularly important in the manufacture of the dies. Master tools are created with great care, minute details of the artist's design being perfected by experienced engravers. To achieve the superior quality of Proof coins, the die is sand blasted with fine particles to give a frosted finish. The surrounding table or field is then carefully hand-polished with diamond paste, a process that takes many hours and considerable skill, resulting in the mirror-like finish.  Blanks for Proof coins must be completely free from any blemishes and are polished to a brilliant shine before each one is struck individually at least three times under tremendous pressure between the carefully prepared dies. Finally, each coin is meticulously inspected to ensure that only perfect specimens are placed into protective capsules and sent to collectors.  The Royal Mint has issued a superb Brilliant Uncirculated Collection of 11 UK legal tender coins. At the heart of the collection are the new definitive coins by Matthew Dent, which form the shield of the Royal Arms. Bruce Rushin's familiar £2 technology coin, two commemorative £2 coins, one celebrating the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth and the other marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, are also included together with the 50p piece commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. The coins are beautifully displayed in an informative and fully illustrated presentation folder detailing the history behind the coin designs. Set contains all UK definitive coins for 2009, including Bruce Rushin's £2 technology coin and three new commemorative coins Beautifully displayed in a colourful presentation folder which provides history behind the heraldry of UK coins The first time that the new definitive coins have appeared in a set with the commemorative issues. The perfect gift for anyone celebrating a special occasion in 2009, whether a birth, christening or anniversary, this unique coin collection will make a happy memento.  BRITISH GOLD COINS. The modern sovereign made its appearance in 1817 and came to be known as ‘the chief coin of the world’. Now, in 2009, the sovereign has again been struck in 22 carat gold using original nineteenth-century tools and featuring the classic portrayal of St George and the dragon. Original tools of the nineteenth century have been used unmodified for the first time The sovereign unusually features Pistrucci’s St George and the dragon with the helmet minus its streamer Low issue limit of just 12,500  Presented in a walnut-veneer case with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. This historic 22 carat gold coin is available struck to the highest Proof quality and presented in a case accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity attesting to the low issue of 12,500. The 2009 UK Gold Proof Sovereign is the ideal gift on the occasion of a special anniversary, important birthday or celebrating a graduation in 2009 For centuries gold has been praised for its beauty and value. Now the Royal Mint brings you an affordable way to appreciate its precious qualities with an opportunity to purchase the 2009 Gold Bullion Sovereign. Original tools of the nineteenth century have been used unmodified for the first time in the modern production process The sovereign features Benedetto Pistrucci’s St George and the dragon with the same individual characteristics as the coins of the 1820s Struck in 22 carat gold to uncirculated quality Worldwide issue limit of 75,000  Presented within a specially designed outer sleeve. This historic 22 carat gold coin is available within a specially designed outer sleeve to reflect the famous coin design of St George and the dragon. From the arrival of a baby, to a wedding, to retirement or special anniversary, a 2009 bullion sovereign from the Royal Mint makes an ideal and timeless gift of gold. Following its introduction in 2008, the new definitive £1 is now available individually. Struck to gold Proof quality, the coin is displayed in a walnut-veneer case. The coin has been struck in 22 carat gold to Proof quality, the Royal Mint's highest standard The coin is new for 2009 Only 1,000 gold Proof coins will be available worldwide Receive a Designing Change book, personally signed by the editor Dr Kevin Clancy, absolutely FREE when you purchase the £1 gold Proof Coin The reverse features the shield of the Royal Arms As a legal tender coin of the UK, the obverse features the current portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Beautifully presented in a walnut-veneer presentation case and accompanied by an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity. This beautiful gold coin will make the perfect gift for the extra special person in your life. It is also suitable for collectors who are interested in British coinage and its history. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns the Royal Mint is issuing a series of UK commemorative £2 coins. One of Scotland’s favourite sons, Robert Burns was a passionate poet and lyricist as well as a witty satirist of his religious and political peers. His most famous work is perhaps Auld Lang Syne, a song celebrating friendship and sung every year on New Year’s Eve in the English-speaking world. The coin has been struck to Proof quality - the Royal Mint’s highest standard The commemorative reverse features an extract from Auld Lang Syne, in Burns’ own handwriting As a legal tender coin of the UK, the obverse features the current portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Ideal to present as a gift. Anyone with an interest in the famous poet Robert Burns would be delighted to receive this coin to celebrate the 250th anniversary of his birth. It makes an ideal retirement or birthday gift as well as an anniversary gift. Struck in 22 carat gold, this beautiful half-sovereign embodies almost two centuries of numismatic tradition, making this limited-edition coin highly sought after. Original tools of the nineteenth century have been used unmodified for the first time in the modern production process  The half-sovereign features Benedetto Pistrucci’s St George and the dragon with the same characteristics as the coins of 1893  Struck in 22 carat gold to uncirculated quality  Worldwide issue limit of 50,000  Presented within a specially designed outer sleeve. This historic 22 carat gold coin is available within a specially designed outer sleeve to reflect the famous coin design of St George and the dragon.  The 2009 bullion half-sovereign is the ideal gift on the occasion of a special anniversary, important birthday or celebrating a graduation in 2009. Sovereigns As Gold Bullion Ancient History When the world's first coins were produced in the seventh century B.C., they were simply a measured and guaranteed amount of precious metal, gold or silver, of a known purity. Almost three thousand years later, at the beginning of the twentieth century, the currency value of most coins was close to that of their intrinsic precious metal content , their bullion value. Gold has almost always been the preferred security for most currencies. Governments and central banks store much of their gold bullion in the form of 400 ounce bullion bars, but also maintain stocks of gold in the form of gold coins. The 20th Century For Great Britain, the obvious choice of bullion coin is the gold sovereign, and many other central and commercial banks keep a proportion of their gold bullion in the form of British gold sovereigns. The start of the first world war caused a major change in coins and currency the entire world over. Countries moved their currencies off the "gold standard". Within a decade, most countries converted to using paper money, and a token coinage, token meaning that the underlying bullion value would be much less than their face value.  The Second Millennium It is only natural that at times of uncertainty, people everywhere seek to protect their assets from potential disasters. Whether it be fears of the millennium bug, worries about the "Euro", the end of the pound sterling, the collapse of the rouble, there are sound arguments for retaining at least a small proportion of surplus wealth in an ultra secure investment form. Gold has performed this traditional role since before the first coins came into existence. As one of the worlds oldest, most historic, and most recognisable gold coins, the gold sovereign makes an ideal bullion coin. Sovereigns weigh 7.98 grams and are made of 22 carat gold (carat means 1/24) or 91.66% pure, and therefore contains 7.315 grams or 0.2353544 troy ounces of pure gold. 2009 Gold Sovereigns  The 2009 sovereigns are expected to have the familiar St. George and Dragon design. St. George and Dragon - Recut 2009 Reverse Dies The traditional St George & Dragon design has been used on sovereigns, with a few breaks, since 1817. During this long period, there have been a considerable number of minor changes to the dies used for the reverse (tail side). In 2007, the reverse design appears to have been completely re-engraved, although there was no advance announcement of this from the Royal Mint. The 2009 reverse dies have again been re-engraved, using "original Victorian tools". For details use the link from the heading of this paragraph. British Gold Sovereigns In 1816 the gold British Sovereign was first introduced, and as the British Empire expanded under Queen Victoria during the 1800’s, this coin came to be the world’s most widely distributed gold coin. Minted originally in London, the Sovereign came to be minted all over the world as Australia and South Africa came to be large gold producers. Mints in Pretoria, Bombay, Ottawa, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney turned out hundreds of millions of Sovereigns during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.  Because of the huge output of gold Sovereigns at that time, and the fact that they have been traded and hoarded all over the world ever since, these roughly nickel-sized gold coins are available today at bullion prices. Although these coins are sometimes promoted as ‘scarce" and marked up outrageously by numismatic sales companies, in fact, they are currently available at bullion prices. These handsome coins portray the reigning monarch on one side, and Pestrucci's St. George and the Dragon on the other side. Gold Sovereigns were struck in the traditional 22karat (.917 fine gold) as were most gold coins made for circulation. The coins weigh 8 grams and contain just under a quarter-ounce of gold (.2354 troy ounce)  As an international gold coin, the gold Sovereign has no equal. Whether in Cairo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Moscow, or nearly any spot on the globe, this coin commands instant recognition.  Gold Coin Sets The First Coin Set In 1826, during the reign of George IV, a proof or specimen set of coins was issued, containing one example of each of the current coins. This included all four gold coin types, five pound, two pound, sovereign, and half sovereign. The five pound and two pound coins were only issued as proofs, none were issued for circulation. The sets also contained silver and copper coins. Although proof coins had been issued during the reign of George III, these appear to have been produced individually, and we are not aware of any complete proof "set" earlier than 1826.  Special Occasions Only Proof sets continued to be issued, on very special and infrequent occasions, from 1826 to 1953. Sometimes these included complete ranges of gold, silver and copper or bronze coins, other sets were issued containing only gold coins, only silver coins, or various combinations. British Gold Sovereigns - Information 1489 or 1817 Although the first British gold sovereign was issued in 1489 for Henry VII, the modern gold sovereign commenced in 1817 under George III.  A Real Coin The sovereign was a real circulating coin until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. At about this time, most countries in the world reduced or stopped production of gold coins for circulation, and switched to a "token" coinage. By 1933, almost every country had stopped gold coin production, and it did not restart until about 1960. Even now, there are no countries where any gold coins regularly circulate as part of the coinage system.  Sovereign Production Restarted The production of gold sovereigns, as bullion coins, restarted in 1957. There have been a number of breaks in production. Proofs From 1979, the Royal Mint started to produce special edition proof versions for collectors, and these are now likely to be produced every year.  2000 & The Third Millennium After a break from 1982, the Royal Mint has again started production of "ordinary" sovereigns in 2000, and it is possible that they too will be produced in following years.  BRITISH SILVER COINS. This year the Royal Mint has struck a 2009 dated £1 coin in sterling silver to superb Proof quality. This traditional yet contemporary coin is now available for individual purchase.The coin has been struck in sterling silver to Proof quality, the Royal Mint's highest standard The coin is new for 2009 Just 5,000 coins will be made available worldwide The reverse features the shield of the Royal Arms  Beautifully presented in a black presentation case and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, attesting to the low issue limit. The 2009 UK Shield of the Royal Arms £1 Silver Proof Coin is the ideal gift for a birthday, christening or an anniversary. In 2009 the most iconic of British cars, the Mini, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The unique and revolutionary design by Alec Issigonis influenced a generation of carmakers. Over 50 million Minis have been sold worldwide and many ‘classic’ versions are still on the road and loved by their owners. To celebrate this very British anniversary, the Royal Mint has produced a £5 Proof coin in sterling silver and features on its reverse a side-view image of the classic Mini, created by David Cornell FRSA, FRBS. Struck in sterling silver to the highest quality of minting Features a design specially created for this anniversary with an inscription which reads ‘50th Anniversary of the first Mini’ Coin collectors and Mini enthusiasts alike will love this coin Housed in a black presentation case and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity telling the extraordinary story of the Mini and its quirky design features Just 2,000 coin collectors and Mini lovers worldwide will be able to own this edition of the silver Proof coin. The 2009 50th Anniversary of the Mini £5 Silver Proof Coin, struck for the Channel Island of Alderney, will make an interesting gift not just for coin collectors but also for Mini enthusiasts. Join in the 50 years of the Mini celebrations by owning this silver coin specially created for the occasion. The 2009 Britannia silver bullion £2 coin features the majestic figure of Britannia by award-winning sculptor Philip Nathan. The largest and purest legal tender coin of the UK, the £2 coin contains one ounce of fine silver. Presented within a specially designed outer sleeve  Struck in Britannia silver to uncirculated quality, a higher standard than those found in your pocket Contains one ounce of fine silver The largest and purest legal tender silver coin of the realm Worldwide coin issue limit of 100,000. The 2009 silver bullion £2 Britannia is the ideal affordable gift of silver to give for birthdays, anniversaries or even graduations in 2009.  British Silver Britannia British Silver Britannia is a unique fabrication of world renowned Royal Mint first introduced in 1998. The Britannia silver, an admixture of silver comprising 95.84% of silver, with the proportion copper metal is the main element of British Silver Britannia coins. This coin was introduced with the face value of two pounds. These coins bear Britannia standard silver impression and so are widely known as Britannia. The remarkable achievement of Britannia gold bullion coins motivated the Royal Mint to bring out silver bullion coin named British Silver Britannia.  During the last few years Silver Britannia coins have come across in several enhancements of their pattern as well as in appearance to captivate the collectors as well as the investors. Each and every year , the pattern of this coin is being altered.  GREAT BRITAIN 50th Anniversary of the Mini Alderney Coin Collection In 2009 the most iconic of British cars, the Mini, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The unique and revolutionary design by Alec Issigonis influenced a generation of carmakers. Over 50 million Minis have been sold worldwide and many ‘classic’ versions are still on the road and loved by their owners. To celebrate this very British anniversary, the Royal Mint has produced a range of coins for the Channel Island of Alderney, featuring a reverse design of a side-view image of the classic  Mini.