Posts Tagged ‘Coin collection’
Queen Camilla represents King Charles III at this year’s Royal Maundy Service
Maundy Thursday is an Easter tradition dating back to 1622, when Charles II was the reigning monarch. The tradition usually involves the monarch gifting members of the public coins as part of a special ceremony, however this year will be a bit different…
Credit: The Royal Family on Twitter
On behalf of The King
The annual Royal Maundy Service will take place today at Worcester Cathedral, where Her Majesty The Queen will be distributing the Royal Maundy gifts on behalf of His Majesty The King.
Queen Camilla will be accompanied by Lord High Almoner, Bishop John as the gifts are presented. He said: “It is an honour to be able to welcome HM The Queen to Worcester. This is an immensely special service and I know it will mean a huge amount to those who have been chosen to receive the coins, all of whom will have given years of service to their local communities.”
This isn’t the first time the Maundy Service has been hosted by someone other than the reigning monarch. In 2022, King Charles (then Prince) represented Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Maundy Service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. It was believed to be only the fifth time during her reign that Queen Elizabeth II did not attend the service, including its cancellation due to Covid in 2020 and 2021.
Credit: Jason Pix
What coins are awarded?
Ceremonial coins will be presented to 75 men and 75 women specially chosen in recognition of the service they have given to the Church and local community.
Each recipient will be gifted two small leather string purses – one white, one red. The red purse contains ordinary coinage as money (in lieu of the food and clothing that was offered years ago), and the white purse contains specially minted silver Maundy coins with a collective face value of 75p (representing The King’s age).
Credit: The Royal Family on Twitter
Last year, among the coins in the red purse were the 2023 King’s 75th Birthday £5 and the 2023 Windrush Generation 50p – both of which featured in the 2023 Annual Coin Set. Considering this, it’s possible that commemorative coins from the 2024 Annual Coin Set may be included in this year’s offerings.
The History of Royal Maundy
Maundy Thursday is a key day during the Easter week which commemorates Jesus Christ’s last supper on the day before his crucifixion.
The Royal Maundy Church service takes place each year on this day, and is inspired by the generosity shown by Jesus in washing the feet of his disciples shortly before his death.
Credit: Regina magazine
Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when English monarchs would wash the feet of beggars and offer gifts of food and clothing in imitation of Jesus.
However it was King John who was the first to give to the poor on Maundy Thursday and by the early 14th century, it had become customary for the sovereign to provide a meal, together with gifts of food and clothing.
Sharing the Wealth
For numismatists, the day has added significance in the form of Maundy money, which is given out by the reigning monarch each year at the service.
Credit: Wehwalt via Wikimedia Commons
The tradition of giving out money began with Charles II, with the first set of Maundy coins consisting of a four penny, three penny, two penny and a penny. The coins have remained in much the same form since then, and are traditionally struck in sterling silver.
Have you or anyone you know ever received Maundy Money for your services? Let us know in the comments below!
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Harry Potter The Winged Keys 50p – Catch it while you can!
Attention collectors – the enchanting 2024 UK Harry Potter: The Winged Keys 50p is flying your way! But it’s more than just a coin, it’s a portal to the wondrous world of Harry Potter…
Based on one of the most memorable moments from Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone, the Winged Keys 50p features Harry soaring around an underground chamber on his broomstick, chasing after fluttering winged keys. Harry was, of course, joined by best friends Hermione and Ron in this thrilling scene, and the design on this coin perfectly captures the trio’s camaraderie and adventure as they attempt to get one step closer to the Philosopher’s Stone.
But what makes this coin truly special isn’t just the stunning design and feeling of nostalgia it sparks, but the story it tells – a tale of friendship, bravery, and the sheer joy of discovery.
Magical Detail
You might need to get your magnifying glass out for this one, as there are so many incredible details to see! The first thing that draws your eye is Harry Potter himself in the centre, riding his broomstick and reaching out for the old key with the broken wing. But there is so much more to see…
If you look closely, you can make out the details on the walls of the tall chamber the scene takes place in, as well as a mischievous looking stone gargoyle sat atop of the very door that Harry and his friends are trying to open. Either side of the gargoyle are carved snakes winding their way up pillars and torches lighting the way.
And I haven’t even touched on the plethora of flying keys there are to spot, you really do have to see the coin for yourself to find them all!
Will you be adding The Winged Keys 50p to your collection to see the detail for yourself? Let us know in the comments!
Previous Harry Potter Coins
Seasoned collectors will know that this isn’t the first time Harry Potter has featured on UK coins. Back in 2022 and 2023, we saw 4 UK 50p coins issued celebrating 25 years since the publication of Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone.
The designs featured iconic images taken directly from Jim Kay’s illustrated edition of Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone, including Harry Potter himself, the Hogwarts Express train, Professor Dumbledore and of course, where all the magic takes place – Hogwarts School!
All of the coins in the series include the inscription ’25 Years of Magic’ to celebrate the anniversary, and special lenticular features which switches between the number 25 and Harry’s trademark lightning bolt when tilted – a feature never seen before on UK 50p coins!
Continue your Harry Potter 50p Collection
Unlock the magic of the 2024 UK Harry Potter: The Winged Keys 50p for JUST £8.99 (p&p) >>
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 £8.99 (+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 £8.99 (+p&p) >>
Order the Millennium Falcon 50p >>
Order the TIE Fighter 50p >>
Order the X-Wing 50p >>