First look: New Royal Mint coin designs for 2016
The Royal Mint have unveiled the new themes and designs for all 2016 circulation coins, and Change Checkers can look forward to some very significant British anniversaries being commemorated.
The Great Fire of London will feature on a new £2 coin next year
£2 – 350th Anniversary of the Great Fire of London
Undoubtedly one of the worst disasters in Britain’s history, the Great Fire of London started on 2nd September 1666 and lasted for nearly five days. It had a devastating effect on the lives of Londoners, and it took about 50 years to rebuild the ruined city. It was a tragic event but was key in shaping the city which we know today.
The new Battle of Hastings 50p features King Harold with an arrow in his eye – taken from the Bayeux tapestry
50p – 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings
On 14th October 1066, King Harold II was defeated by the Norman forces of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. It was a pivotal moment in medieval history. From here, William marched onto London which submitted to his rule, and he was crowned as the first Norman King, bringing significant cultural transformation to England.
Three coins will be issued in 2016 to commemorate William Shakespeare
3 x £2 – 400th Anniversary of the Death of William Shakespeare
The most influential literary figure in British history, William Shakespeare is someone who needs little introduction. His works are an important part of Britain’s cultural heritage and next year he will be honoured with a series of three £2 coins which pay tribute to each of his major genres: Tragedies, Comedies and Histories. The reverse designs take inspiration from his most famous plays, including Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth.
The 2016 UK WWI £2 Coin
£2 – 2016 First World War Centenary – The British Army
The third issue in the Royal Mint’s five year First World War Centenary series will commemorate the role of the Army. Friends and neighbours across Britain enlisted together and the camaraderie of these so-called ‘Pals Batallions’ are honoured on a new £2 coin.
Next year’s pound coin will be the very last round version before the new 12-sided shape in 2017
£1 – The Last ‘Round Pound’
The Royal Mint have also confirmed that next year will be the final ’round pound’, calling time on a coin which was first issued more than thirty years ago. The reverse design will feature four animals representing each of the four constituent UK countries.
Meanwhile, the Queen’s 90th Birthday milestone has been reserved for the new £5 coin, and you can read more about this in our previous blog.
The announcement of next year’s coins is always an exciting moment for Change Checkers, particularly when the anniversaries are as significant as these.
And now we can now start looking forward to finding these new designs in our change!
All new coins coming soon to www.changechecker.org…
they are on sale on the Westinster and Royal mint sites.
Got them Deliverd to day in the set Great Coins
How can you have had them delivered as they aren’t out until next year?