Posts by Kate
Spectacular Star Wars™ Spacecraft 50ps flying into your collection!
Get ready to embark on an epic journey through the galaxy with the Star Wars™ Spacecraft 50p series!
This 4-coin series features some of the most iconic spacecraft from the Star Wars™ universe.
Death Star II 50p
The fourth and final coin in the Star Wars™ Spacecraft series features the fearsome Death Star II!
The Death Star is undoubtedly one of the most iconic structures in the Star Wars universe, but unfortunately it didn’t survive the Battle of Yavin. That’s where Darth Sidious came in, insisting that it was reconstructed – and the Death Star II was born.
The reverse design of the Death Star II 50p features the unfinished battle station looming in space, along with the official Star Wars logo.
And here’s the best part, above the Death Star II on the reverse is a special lenticular feature which shows both the Galactic Empire insignia and the distinct outline of the Death Star II when tilted.
Did you know? The Death Star II, codenamed Second Sun, was made from Quadanium steel and was much larger than its predecessor, measuring 200km in diameter!
Secure the 2024 Death Star II 50p for your collection here >>
X-Wing 50p
The third coin in the Star Wars™ Spacecraft series features the versatile X-Wing!
The X-Wing was the Rebel Alliance’s primary dogfighter, and was known for its versatility and exceptional combat performance. As one of the spacecraft that’s become synonymous with the Star Wars™ franchise, it’s no surprise that it features in this series.
The reverse design of this new 50p shows the adaptable X-Wing flying through space, with open S-foils in attack position. If you look closely you can even see 4 laser cannons, one at the end of each wing tip, and the torpedo launchers underneath the main body of the vehicle.
The X-Wing 50p also includes a unique lenticular feature, which shows two different designs when the coin is tilted, the Rebel Alliance Starbird and a silhouette of an X-Wing.
Did you know? The X-Wing was intended to become the backbone of the Imperial Navy’s fleet, however political forces led the Galactic Empire to adopt the more affordable TIE Fighter instead.
Secure the 2024 X-Wing 50p for your collection here >>
TIE Fighter 50p
The second coin in the series represents the dark side, featuring the menacing TIE Fighter! The reverse design shows a TIE Fighter soaring through space, no doubt its engines would be emitting its trademark howl, known to strike fear into the hearts of enemies.
And here’s where it gets even more exciting…this 50p also includes a dynamic lenticular feature! Tilt the coin one way, and you’ll see the emblem of the Galactic Empire, tilt it the other way, and behold the terrifying TIE Fighter!
Did you know? The distinctive sound of the TIE fighter in flight was created by combining and elephant call with a car driving on wet pavement.
Secure the 2024 TIE Fighter 50p for your collection here >>
Millennium Falcon 50p
The Millennium Falcon 50p features a design by Lucasfilm of the ship soaring through space, along with the Star Wars logo.
And here’s the coolest part – this coin also includes a special lenticular feature! Tilt the coin one way, and you’ll see the Millennium Falcon, tilt it the other way and you’ll catch a glimpse of the Rebel Alliance Starbird!
Piloted by dynamic duo Han Solo and Chewbacca, the Millennium Falcon is perhaps the most recognisable ship in the entire Star Wars franchise. She was the star of countless legendary moments, such as making the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs, successfully navigating an asteroid field against 3720 to 1 odds and narrowly escaping the jaws of a giant space worm – to name just a few!
Did you know? George Lucas changed the original Millennium Falcon model at the last minute. He was inspired by a half eaten burger placed next to an olive on a toothpick and changed the shape of the ship to how we know it today.
Secure the 2024 UK Millennium Falcon 50p for your collection for just £5.99 (+p&p) >>
Previous Star Wars™ Character Duos 50ps
Cast your mind back to the previous Star Wars Character Duos 50p series which caused a real buzz in the coin collecting community.
We saw beloved character duos such as C-3PO and R2-D2, Darth Vader and Emperor Palatine, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia and of course Han Solo and Chewbacca feature on these coins. It was the most popular 50p coin series we’ve had in recent years…and the Star Wars™ Spacecraft series is set to be even bigger and better!
Complete your Star Wars™ 50p Collection
Secure your 2024 UK Death Star II 50p for just £5.99 (+p&p) >>
Order the Millennium Falcon 50p >>
Order the TIE Fighter 50p >>
Order the X-Wing 50p >>
Change Checker LIVE 50p Swap is coming to Essex…
We’re extremely excited to announce that we’re bringing our Change Checker Live 50p Swap to Essex!
Join us on Saturday 13th April from 9am – 9pm in Lakeside Shopping Centre where we’ll be giving collectors the chance to swap ANY UK 50p coin for a brand new Brilliant Uncirculated UK 50p.
Usually, collectors only get the chance to swap their coins for one new coin design at our live swap events, however this time is a bit different…
We’re pitting two extremely popular 50p series against each other and giving you the choice of either a Star Wars™ OR Harry Potter 50p!
Our Brilliant Uncirculated UK 50ps usually retail for £5.99, so this is a chance to get your hands on one in superior collector quality for just face value!
We’ll be taking 1,000 50ps with us to swap on the day – half made from a mix of Star Wars™ 50ps and the other half a mix of Harry Potter 50ps – but which series will prove most popular?
Which 50p would you chose?
We’ve had quite a debate at Change Checker HQ about which coin series is the best, and we’d love to know what you think! Would you choose a Harry Potter 50p or a Star Wars™ 50p?
Make sure to cast your vote below to settle the argument once and for all!
Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex
Lakeside Shopping Centre is a large shopping centre located in West Thurrock, Essex, just beyond the eastern boundary of Greater London. The shopping centre, in addition to the surrounding retail parks, forms one of the largest shopping areas in a single location within Europe!
The centre has over 250 shops, 50 cafes and restaurants, and a 26-acre lake. Approximately 500,000 people visit Lakeside every week.
Credit: Sunil060902, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Where can I find you in Lakeside Shopping Centre?
We’ll be located on the ground floor (level 1) outside The Fragrance Shop, see map below.
How many coins can I swap?
Such is the popularity of our Live Coin Swaps, and to ensure it’s fair for everybody, we’re limiting the number of swaps to strictly 1 swap per person.
Can I reserve a coin before I arrive?
To ensure a fair swap event for everyone, we do not offer reservations of coins. It is a strictly first come first served basis.
How do I get there?
You can find information on how to get to Lakeside Shopping Centre here >>
Can’t make it?
Whilst we hope to see you at our Live Swap, if you’re unable to come along, you can still secure these coins for your collection in Brilliant Uncirculated quality.
Shop the UK Star Wars™ 50p Range >>
Celebrate over 250 years of Royal History with the Buckingham Palace £5
When visiting London, there’s one place that’s most likely to be on everyone’s sightseeing list…Buckingham Palace! And as one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, it’s only fitting that it now features on a UK £5 coin!
A design fit for a King…or Queen!
The 2024 UK Buckingham Palace £5 was first issued in January as part of the 2024 Annual Coin Set, but it’s now been individually released!
The design on this new £5, by Henry Gray, pays tribute to the building that carries so much history, with a beautifully detailed depiction of the front of Buckingham Palace. If you look closely, you’ll see the Royal Standard flying, which signifies the presence of a British Monarch, and the whole design is encircled in a floral ring, tying in with the King’s love of nature.
The History of the Palace
Buckingham Palace has been in the Royal Family since 1761, when George III bought it as Buckingham House for his wife, Queen Charlotte, to use as their family home. It wasn’t until 1826 that George IV transformed the house into a palace, however the project took much longer and cost much more than expected and was finished by his successor William IV, although he never actually moved in.
Public Domain
Queen Victoria was the first monarch to take up residence in Buckingham Palace in 1837, and it remained the royal residence and place of official business until the end of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. It now serves as King Charles III’s administrative headquarters, although he doesn’t live there.
Many a state visit and national celebration have taken place at the Palace, most recently the King’s Coronation celebrations and Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. It also facilitated significant moments in history, such as the signing of The London Declaration in 1949 that created the Commonwealth as we know it today.
Credit: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Did you know…Buckingham Palace boasts 775 rooms, a cinema, swimming pool, post office, police station, a doctor’s clinic and a cash machine! It also has the largest private garden in London, covering 42 acres and including a helipad, a lake and tennis courts!
Secure your Buckingham Palace £5
With its rich history, it’s surprising that this is the first time that Buckingham Palace has ever featured on a UK £5 coin. What’s not surprising though, is that the Buckingham Palace £5 was voted your second favourite coin design from the 2024 Annual Set.
This is your chance to hold more than 250 years of royal history in your hands, so click here to secure your 2024 UK Buckingham Palace £5 for just £13.99 (+p&p) >>
