Posts Tagged ‘Isle of Man’
Relive a history of racing action with the Isle of Man TT coins!
This year, two brand new Isle of Man £2 coins were released for the special anniversary year of the Isle of Man TT, commemorating racing legend Mike Hailwood’s 60th year since his first TT race and 40th year since his triumphant return.
The coins have proved incredibly popular among collectors and motoring enthusiasts alike, which is a common theme from the previous TT coins, some of which have sold for £500 on eBay!
So all this has got us interested in the history of the TT coins and some of the most popular ones you could find in your change.
Where it all began
The Tourist Trophy first started in 1907 and has been celebrated with coin issues since 1981 when the first Isle of Man TT 50p was released.
This coin featured famous motorcyclist Joey Dunlop within the traditional sprigs framing the coin.
Only 5,000 coins of this design were struck and it can be found selling on eBay well above face value.
1981 Joey Dunlop Isle of Man TT 50p. Credit: eBay
Not just 50ps
Since then, there have been 50ps released to mark the event on most years, as well as a selection of crowns and a special commemorative £5 coin in 2017 to commemorate 110 years of the TT.
This coin featured the Roman God, Mercury, the Winged God of the Messengers. It can also be found for more than face value on eBay, with some sellers including the official Isle of Man TT packaging.
2017 £5 Isle of Man TT in official packaging. Credit: eBay
Isle of Man TT Crowns
Design
The common theme among each coin design is of course the iconic motorcycle, synonymous with the TT event. A range of famous bikes have featured on the coins, including Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha and this year the Ducati.
The 50p coins are framed by the traditional sprigs and some feature the official TT logo, whilst other simply have the words ‘TT’ inscribed upon them.
Which design is your favourite?
Isle of Man TT 50ps
Popular TT coins
Isle of Man 50p coins are not legal tender in the UK. They are only released into circulation on the Isle of Man, and often with a low mintage figure, meaning they very rarely turn up in UK change.
This, along with the fact that they are themed around a hugely popular event, means that the coins often prove to be very sought-after.
Mintage figures for these coins are not easily found, meaning it is very difficult to determine which is the ‘rarest’, however it seems that one of the most popular designs is the 1997 Philip McCallen Isle Of Man TT 50p, currently listed on eBay by one seller at £745!
Of course, the actual value of this coin very much depends on its condition and how much an individual seller is willing to pay.
1997 Isle of Man TT 50p listed for £745. Credit: eBay
It’s fair to say that the Isle of Man TT coins have been, and continue to be very collectable.
The unmistakable motorbike design causes these coins to stand out from any other coin and has created a link between the world of coin collecting and the world of motorbike racing, as avid collectors and racing fanatics alike enjoy finding these striking coins.
Secure your 2018 Isle of Man TT £2 coins today!
To celebrate this special anniversary year, two new Isle of Man TT £2 coins have been released by The Royal Mint, depicting Mike Hailwood’s famous Ducati.
Order yours today >>
The race is on for two BRAND NEW 2018 International Isle of Man TT £2 coins
Each year during May and June, the Isle of Man proudly hosts the International Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle event.
Since its inaugural race in 1907, the event has traditionally been a time-trial and is known by motoring enthusiasts world-wide as the ultimate road race.
This year, over 45,000 motorcycle racing fanatics from around the world are set to make their way to the Isle of Man to be in the heart of the action as they watch the unforgettable TT races.
‘Mike the Bike’ – Mike Hailwood, 14 time winner of the Isle of Man TT. Credit: www.motorcyclenews.com
Commemorating motoring legend, ‘Mike the Bike’
2018 celebrates 60 years since fan favourite, ‘Mike the Bike’ first raced the International Isle of Man TT and 40 years since he returned to the event.
Mike Haliwood secured 14 Isle of Man victories during his racing career and his triumphant return to the TT has been described as ‘one of the most emotional moments of 20th century sport’.
To mark this special anniversary year, two £2 coin designs have been officially licensed by the Isle of Man TT with the support of the Mike Haliwood foundation which promotes the TT Races and attracts new riding talent to the meeting.
Only 3,000 of each coin to enter circulation on the Isle of Man
The designs for the 2018 Isle of Man TT £2 coins reference the motorcycle races and Mike Hailwood’s legendary Ducati.
These limited edition £2 coins will be found on the Isle of Man, with only 3,000 entering circulation.
The 2015 Isle of Man TT 50p sold for £500 on eBay. Credit: express.co.uk
In 2015, an Isle of Man TT 50p was released and proved to be extremely popular with collectors, with one selling for £500 on eBay earlier this year.
Due to the popularity of the previous TT coin, we expect that these £2 will be very sought-after by collectors.
And, with only a very limited number entering circulation on the Isle of Man, Isle of Man based Change Checkers are sure to become the envy of collectors everywhere!
Secure your BRAND NEW 2018 International Isle of Man TT £2 coins!
We are delighted to offer these very sought-after coins in Brilliant Uncirculated quality for just £15.99 (+£2.99p&p), so that you don’t miss out on owning these very limited Isle of Man £2 coins for your collection.
New £2 coin to enter circulation to celebrate the royal wedding
When Kensington Palace confirmed the news that Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle will marry on the 19th May, the nation rejoiced.
And whilst only close family and friends will attend the wedding in less than two weeks time, millions of people will tune in to watch the ceremony on television.
The event will go down in history.
And to mark the occasion, a special commemorative £2 coin has been issued.
Limited number to enter circulation
The new coin has been authorised by the Isle of Man Treasury and has received official approval from Buckingham Palace. But what makes this coin even more special, is the fact that it is the VERY FIRST time that a British Isles specification bi-metallic £2 coin has been struck to mark such a significant royal event such as this.
This official Royal Wedding £2 features two St George’s Chapel bells, engraved with the couple’s official names – HRH Prince Henry of Wales and Ms Meghan Markle.
Most importantly, this coin has been authorised by the Isle of Man Treasury, has full legal status AND a very limited number will enter circulation in the Isle of Man, so Isle of Man based Change Checkers are about to become the envy of collectors everywhere.
The FIRST EVER royal bi-metallic £2 coin
This is the very first time a British Isles standard specification bi-metallic £2 coin has ever been chosen to mark a royal event, so we expect this coin to be extremely popular. And as we already know, coins from the British Isles rarely turn up in our change in the UK, making them some of the most sought-after circulating coins around.
The design depicts two St George’s Chapel bells, engraved with the couples official names – HRH Prince Henry of Wales and Ms Meghan Markle. The Isle of Man Coat of Arms is at the top of the coin with and ornate pattern engraved around the outer edge.
As the first major Royal occasion to feature on any British Isles standard specification £2 coins, this is a very significant moment.
The Happy Couple
It’s reported that Harry and Meghan first met when they went on a blind date in July 2016 after being introduced by a mutual friend.
Prince Harry with his fiancée, Meghan Markle.Alexi Lubomirski / AFP – Getty Images
After four months of secretly dating, the news finally leaked in October 2016 that Prince Harry was dating an American actress.
Harry confirmed his relationship with Meghan on the 8th November, 2016, when he demanded that news outlets respect her privacy.
After months of speculation, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle finally announced their engagement on the 27th November, 2017.
The Wedding Day
HRH Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle will marry on the 19th May, 2018. The marriage will take place in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle at 12pm.
The couple will marry at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
Interestingly their decision to wed on a Saturday goes against tradition, as royal weddings usually take place on a weekday. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wed on a Friday and the Queen on a Thursday.
Kensington Palace has said that “around 600” guests will be in attendance, a small crowd compared to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who wed in front of 1,900 guests.
It’s widely suggested that Prince George and Princess Charlotte will be page boy and flower girl.
After the marriage service, Harry and Meghan will undertake a carriage procession from St George’s Chapel through Windsor town returning to Windsor Castle along the Long Walk.
Secure the FIRST EVER royal bi-metallic £2 coin for your collection today
Secure the brand new Isle of Man Royal Wedding £2 coin today in Brilliant Uncirculated quality for £8.99.
Of course your coin will also be protectively encapsulated and certified with a hologram to guarantee its superior quality.
Add this historic Royal coin to your collection today >>