Exploring the Rich Heritage and Collectible Treasures of The Royal Mint

The Royal Mint has a history of over 1,100 years. It creates unique bullion products and is the world's top export mint. The Royal Mint makes original coin collections and gifts to commemorate special occasions. It also provides investment opportunities and currency solutions. Everything the Royal Mint makes comes from original ideas and designs of it. Every coin, whether a rare gold Sovereign, Britannia, or a Peter Rabbit 50p coin, tells a story. The Royal Mint aims to inspire collectors of all ages through its unique designs and popular themes. Sir Isaac Newton served as the head of the Royal Mint from 1699 to 1727.

Whether you want to buy 2023 Britannia coins or British Royal Arms, you can compare your selected bullion's prices and receive the best deals from trustworthy dealers only at Bullion Mentor.

About The Royal Mint

For centuries, the Royal Mint has traded and manufactured gold and silver products as an authority on precious metals. Now, it offers both physical and digital precious metals investment opportunities. The Royal Mint is one of the largest and most technologically advanced minting facilities globally. Located in Llantrisant, South Wales, it produces over 3.3 billion coins and blanks annually in over 30 countries.

The Royal Mint Experience is a popular place to explore its 1,100-year history. It offers exciting tours, exhibitions, coin hunts, and special events, making it an award-winning visitor attraction. Due to logistical constraints, it is relocated to Llantrisant, Wales, from London. It was also a government initiative to distribute work beyond London. Every year, the Royal Mint produces an incredible quantity of coins - more than five billion. It is also an international operation center that makes coins for over 60 countries.

History of Royal Mint

Coins have an extensive history in the United Kingdom, from the second century BC when Celtic tribes brought them. Around 80-60 BC, Britain's oldest documented traces of currency manufacture may be traced back to the Kentish tribes. Interestingly, after the Roman conquest of Britain, these indigenous groups were influenced by coins from Marseille and opted to cast their coins rather than hammer them. It should be noted that the Royal Mint, as we know it now, was yet to be founded during this period.

The Royal Mint, now a government company, has a 1,100-year history. It mirrors Britain's journey through wars, politics, social change, economic growth, and scientific progress. It's intertwined with Britain's history. Unlike newer institutions, the Royal Mint has no specific founding date. However, there were standard coins-making conventions from the latter part of the ninth century.

The consistent coin designs at that time indicate a deliberate and well-regulated approach. As the centuries passed and royal power increased, the organization responsible for overseeing coin production evolved. By the mid-13th century, the monarch's mint in London had a structured framework with various officers. Starting from at least the 1270s, it operated within the Tower of London and steadily gained structure and formality.

In 1279, various mints were unified into a single system, which later became the Royal Mint of England. Today, the Royal Mint of England is in Llantrisant, Wales. While it was once a government entity, it is now owned by Her Majesty's Treasury or HM Treasury.

Most Popular Gold and Silver Series of British Royal Mint

The Royal Mint of England is among the world's most esteemed mints. It started as the London Mint in the 9th century and has been creating coins for British monarchs, the UK, and Commonwealth nations for over 1,000 years. Today, it offers an impressive gold and silver bullion coin series. Explore these options of British Heritage below!

1. Britannia

The Royal Mint's Britannia Coins have been around for over 30 years and feature British icon Britannia - a female representation of Britain. They come in gold and silver; you can choose different sizes.

In 1987, the mint started producing the Britannia gold coins. It came in various sizes, from 1 oz to 1/10 oz, and had 22-karat gold. But in 2013, they began to utilize .9999 pure gold and added new sizes like 5 oz and fractional 1/20 oz.

In 1997, they also unveiled the one troy oz Britannia silver coin series. It had 0.958 fineness at first, which was somewhat less pure silver, but in 2013, it changed to .999 pure silver.

Philip Nathan created the design of these Britannia coins. It depicts Britannia, a solid British symbol. On the front side, you'll see Queen Elizabeth II, with different designs used over time. The latest design, by Jody Clark, shows her at age 89. On the back of these coins, you'll find Britannia. She's standing powerfully by the sea, holding a trident in one hand and a shield with the Union Jack in the other, symbolizing the defense of Britain.

Britannia Silver Bars: The Royal Mint also struck the Britannia silver bar series apart from other cast silver bars. This bar has a picture of Britannia by artist Jody Clark. Britannia holds a trident and a shield with the Union flag. It's made of .999 fine silver. Each bar has a unique serial number and comes in a special packaging.
2. Queen's Beasts

The Royal Mint introduced the Queen's Beast Series in 2016. The design features ten heraldic beasts. These designs date back to early British monarchs. They are named after statues near Westminster Abbey during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.

The series includes:

1. The Lion of England
2. The Unicorn of Scotland
3. The Red Dragon of Wales
4. The Black Bull of Clarence
5. The Griffin of Edward III
6. The Falcon of the Plantagenets
7. The Yale of Beaufort
8. The White Lion of Mortimer
9. The White Greyhound of Richmond
10. The White Horse of Hanover

Initially, they released the Lion of England in 2 oz silver and 1 oz gold coins. In 2017, they expanded the series to include 1 oz platinum and 10 oz silver coins. There are also proof versions with set mintage figures and various weights. These Royal Mint coins come in commemorative display boxes.

3. Lunar Series (Shengxiao Series)

Inspired by Perth Mint's successful Lunar Series, the Royal Mint introduced its series in 2014. The Shengxiao Series showcases the Chinese Zodiac animals. It began with the Year of the Horse and continued with the Year of the Sheep, Year of the Monkey, Year of the Rooster, Year of the Dog, and so on. The series will feature each Zodiac animal in subsequent years. British-Chinese artist Wuon-Gean Ho's designs are featured on one troy oz gold and silver coins in the Lunar (Shengxiao) Collection.

4. Sovereign

The Coronation Sovereign Coins Collection is a unique set of coins that celebrates the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. It includes various sizes of Sovereign coins, such as the Quarter-Sovereign, Half-Sovereign, Sovereign, Double-Sovereign, Piedfort Sovereign, and a Five-Sovereign Piece in both Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated editions.

This Sovereign Coins collection marks a historic event in British history and features the official crowned portrait of King Charles III after the passing of Her Majesty. There is also a three-coin set that reflects significant milestones in the life of King Charles III. The Sovereign Series is not only a symbol of royalty but also an attractive and efficient investment opportunity.

5. Royal Arms

The Royal Mint's latest bullion coins feature the historic and elegant Royal Arms. They have been a symbol of the British monarchy for centuries. Designed by heraldic artist Timothy Noad in 2019, it returns for a fourth year. The design showcases national characters for Wales, Northern Ireland, England, and Scotland.

The one-ounce pure silver and gold coins with radial lines provide a beautiful background while adding security. These exquisite coins meet the Royal Mint's bullion standards.

The Royal Arms 2023 bullion and other coins from the Royal Mint are offered in various editions and weights, both in gold and silver. You have the option to purchase coins either individually or in tubes.

5 Interesting Things to Know About the British Royal Mint

Apart from the history and popular series, here are some mind-blowing facts about the Royal Mint:

1. The New £1 Coin: A new 12-sided £1 coin will soon be in circulation. Its unique design requires two separate machines to press it. Visitors to the Royal Mint Experience can try making one themselves.
2. Trial of the Pyx: The Trial of the Pyx is an ancient ceremony held in the United Kingdom since 1282. The process entails independently verifying the quality and composition of coins produced by the Royal Mint. The sample size for the trial may vary, but it may comprise a substantial number of coins.
3. Monarchs' Directions: Monarchs on coins face in alternating directions. This tradition originates from Charles II "turning his back" on Oliver Cromwell.
4. Pinewood Studios as a Mint: During World War II, Pinewood Studios served as a remote mint in case of emergencies. It was set up to ensure coin production continued in wartime.
5. Edward VIII's Rare Coin: The Royal Mint houses some of the rarest and most valuable coins. There exists an Edward VIII coin that was never widely circulated, and it's known for its unique design, as Edward VIII insisted on his preferred side being featured.

Is it Worth Collecting and Investing in British Royal Mint Coins?

Investing in Royal Mint coins can be a wise decision for collectors. The Royal Mint is renowned for producing exquisite coins that boast exceptional quality and stunning designs.

Here are simple reasons why it's worth considering:

1. Excellent quality and highest purity
2. Historical significance
3. Limited editions
4. Guaranteed authenticity by reputable grading services
5. Beautiful presentation in attractive packaging
6. Investment opportunity with a high ROI potential
7. Certain coins may have tax benefits
8. IRA eligible

The worth of a coin depends on factors like purity, rarity, and historical importance. Before investing, it's wise to research and understand the market. At Bullion Mentor, we offer price comparisons to assist you on your bullion journey.

Conclusion

Finally, the journey through the Royal Mint's legacy and valuable gems highlighted coinage's craftsmanship and historic significance. These treasures, ranging from the classic Sovereign to recent commemoratives, are more than simply coins; they represent a real connection to British history. The Royal Mint's status as a cultural heritage archive is a testament to the timeless creativity that connects today to the past, making these treasures valuable and intriguing for collectors and history enthusiasts.

Whether collecting or investing in Royal Mint coins, the worth depends on your interests and financial goals. Considering British Royal Mint coins and bullion bars can be a valuable addition to your collection or investment strategy if you appreciate historical and culturally significant collections of precious metals.

Why wait when you can compare and buy Royal Mint bullion products from Bullion Mentor at the most affordable prices without having to look a specific dealer?

Just select, compare, and buy!