Posts Tagged ‘Royal Mint’
Is there an even rarer version of the Navy £2 in circulation?
Change Checkers have been speculating whether there are two different design variations of the 2015 Navy £2 coin that was released into circulation a couple of months ago.
This coin has already caused a stir in the collecting world as we revealed it was one of the rarest £2 coins with just 650,000 struck for circulation.
The 2015 Navy £2 coin was released into circulation a couple of months ago.
The original Navy £2 design (above) shows the coin without any markings on the top right of the mast, but we’ve seen a few £2’s out there that look like they have a flying flag.
A number of people have been enquiring about whether there were two different designs of the Navy £2 coin struck for circulation.
As you can see from the two coins pictured above, the coin on the right looks like it has a flying flag on the mast whereas the first coin is free from any markings.
So are there two different designs?
No – The Royal Mint strike up to 5 billion coins a year and from time to time cracks in the die can cause pools of metal to form on the coin.
It just so happens that this bit of metal has caused the markings on these coins to look like a flying flag on the ship fueling speculation that two different variations were struck.
Well done to the eagle-eyed change checkers out there who spotted differences between the coins. It’s the little details like these that make collecting so interesting so remember to always check your change carefully.
Have you checked your Navy £2?
Let us know via Facebook, Twitter or leave us a comment below.
What’s your coin of the year?
I’m sure you’ll agree that 2016 has been a great year for coin collectors with so many significant anniversaries being commemorated and some fantastic designs.
So which coin do you think deserves to be the ‘2016 Coin of the Year’ winner?
Cast your vote now using the poll at the bottom of the page.
A) The Queen’s 90th Birthday £5
To celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday, this special £5 coin was released. Designed by Christopher Hobbs, the new coin features a crowned Royal Cypher above the number 90, surrounded by roses.
B) The Great Fire of London £2
This £2 coin marks 350 years since the Great Fire destroyed virtually all of the old walled City of London. The coin was designed by Aaron West and depicts the city of London burning in flames from a distance.
C) The WW1 Army £2
This £2 is the third issue in The Royal Mint’s five year First World War Centenary series and commemorates the role of the Army. Designed by Tim Sharp, the coin honours the ‘Pals Battalions’ and marks a poignant moment in military history.
D) The Shakespeare Tragedies £2
This £2 is one of three that celebrate William Shakespeare’s life work and commemorates the 400th anniversary since his death. Designed by John Bergdahl, the coin takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy play, Romeo and Juliet.
E) The Shakespeare Comedies £2
To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, this £2 coin has been issued. Designed by John Bergdahl, the £2 coin takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s most famous comedy play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
F) The Shakespeare Histories £2
This £2 is one of three coins issued to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of Britain’s greatest playwright. Designed by John Bergdahl, this coin takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s most famous history play, Macbeth.
G) The Last ‘Round’ £1
This £1 is the final ’round pound’ issued by The Royal Mint, calling time on a coin which was first issued more than thirty years ago. Designed by Gregory Cameron, the coin features the animals that represent each of the four constituent UK countries.
H) The Beatrix Potter 50p
To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter, The Royal Mint have released this 50p to celebrate Beatrix herself. Designed by Emma Noble, this coin features some of the best-loved characters in children’s literature along with the nostalgic font used in the inscription.
I) The Peter Rabbit 50p
The ‘Tale of Peter Rabbit’ was the first of Beatrix Potter’s tales and the mischievous character has been captured in the centre of this 50p coin, designed by Emma Noble.
J) The Jemima Puddle-Duck 50p
The ‘Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck’ features a domestic duck, names Jemima, whose character is featured on this 50p coin. Designed by Emma Noble, Jemima Puddle-Duck is instantly recognisable in the centre of the coin.
K) The Mrs Tiggy-Winkle 50p
Mrs Tiggy-Winkle is the fourth release in the Beatrix Potter 50p series. Designed by Emma Boble, the conscientious hedgehog features on this 50p in her washerwoman’s dress and petticoat.
L) The Squirrel Nutkin 50p
Designed by Emma Noble, the loveable rogue ‘Squirrel Nutkin’ features at the very heart of this 50p – with his whiskers and once bushy tail captured in great detail.
M) The Battle of Hastings 50p
Struck to mark the 950th Anniversary of The Battle of Hastings, this coin depicts the fate of King Harold at the hands of William The Conqueror, along with the date 1066 – when the battle took place.
N) The Team GB 50p
This 50p was issued to wish Team GB success in Rio de Janieiro at the 2016 Summer Olympics. The coin features a swimmer with the Team GB logo and Olympic rings, an original design created for Rio 2016 by Tim Sharp.
Cast your vote now!
Everything you need to know about the new 12-sided £1 coin
What coin is changing, and when?
The Royal Mint is issuing a 12-sided £1 coin resembling the old three-penny bit which will enter circulation in March, 2017.
At the moment there are no other plans to change any other circulating coins but Her Majesty’s Treasury and The Royal Mint keep the specifications and denominational mix of UK circulating coins under continual review.
How will the new coin change?
The new £1 coin will feature 12 sides and is billed to become the most secure circulating coin in the world.
They will feature added security features including:
- 12 sides – A non-round design makes it harder to copy, and is already used in our 50p and 20p coins, as well as in coins abroad.
- Two metals – The outside will be nickel-brass, and the inside nickel-plated solid alloy. The Government believes this combination of two metals PLUS 12 sides will be the killer security feature.
- Hidden messages – The nickel plating is especially designed to be hard for forgers to remove and iSIS plated coins can include secret electromagnetic signatures.
- A bigger diameter – The new £1 will be just slightly bigger, at 23.43mm from point to point. The 12 sides means its diameter will also be uneven.
- Milled edges – The new £1 coin will have milled edges – grooves in the side of the coin as well as an edge inscription.
- Secret Images – Known as latent images, these are pictures etched into the metal that only become visible when tipped in the light.
What size will the new pound coin be?
The current round £1 coin is 22.5mm in diameter. The new 12-sided £1 coin will be just slightly bigger, at 23.43mm from point to point. The 12 sides means its diameter will also be uneven.
What design will appear on the new coin?
The 12-sided £1 coin will feature a rose, leek, thistle and shamrock emerging from a royal coronet.
The coin has been designed by schoolboy David Pearce which was picked after a public competition and has been adapted by professional artist David Lawrence.
What will happen to my old £1 coin?
The round pound coins will start to be withdrawn from circulation as the 12-sided coins are introduced. Following the six-month co-circulation period, legal tender status of the existing £1 will be withdrawn.
What happens if I still have old pound coins after legal tender status has been withdrawn?
After the six month co-circulation period, round £1 coins will no longer be able to be used as payment and will cease to be legal tender.
Will I be able to use the coin in the same way?
Yes. The 12-sided pound coins can be used in the same way as the current pounds. For example, they will be available from banks and can be used in self-service checkout tills and parking payment machines. Rigorous rolling tests have been carried out to ensure they will work in vending machines.
Why bother changing it?
One Pound coins were first issued in 1983, but one in every thirty £1 coins is now a fake. These forgeries cost the Government £2million every year.
The new 12-sided £1 coin will be an ultra-secure replacement which will be harder for forgers to copy. They will also last 5 years longer than the current round pound coins.
Will they be collectable?
Like any new issues, collectors will be keen to own the very first design of any new coin. Pound coins with the 2017 date are likely to be more sought after – especially in good condition or uncirculated.