For the first time since decimalisation the legal tender coins of the United Kingdom will undergo a major design change. In the late spring of 2008 the nation will see new designs on the coinage, from the 1p to the ?1, reflecting a more modern twenty-first century Britain.
To mark this watershed in numismatic history, and to commemorate the reverse designs that have served Britain well for almost 40 years, the Royal Mint is producing a limited-edition gold Proof collection.
As a gift...
- Contains seven coins struck in 22 carat gold to Proof quality
- Low issue limit of just 2,008 collections
- All the coins are dated 2008
- Purchase the 'Last of the Old' and get first opportunity to purchase the 'First of the New'.
The Emblems of Britain Gold Collection of seven definitive coins is the ideal gift for coin collectors and is the perfect memento of this historic time in numismatic history as the 'Last of the Old' coin designs are changed in 2008.Product Information
The Gold Collection comprises seven coins bearing the definitive reverse designs, the portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS on their obverse, and are all dated 2008. Each coin is struck in 22 carat gold to Proof quality. For such a magnificent collection, the Royal Mint has commissioned high-quality hand-crafted oak veneer cases designed exclusively to house the gold Proof coins. An informative booklet featuring a potted history of the iconic designs completes the presentation. Incorporated into each booklet is an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Deputy Master of the Royal Mint.Background & History
The introduction of the new decimal series of coins was no easy task 40 years ago. From settling the dimensions of the coins, to the creation of the designs, to their production by the Royal Mint it was a mammoth undertaking. Not only did the different denominations need to be readily distinguishable by sight and touch from each other, they also needed to avoid being confused with existing coins of the pre-decimal system.
As for their designs, a new portrait of the Queen by Arnold Machin RA had already been prepared and approved, while for the reverse designs it was announced in November 1966 that a public competition would be arranged. More than 80 artists took part and, from the 900 or so designs that were received, a series by Christopher Ironside was eventually approved, his designs drawing praise for the ?lack of clutter?, a requirement that had been stressed in the creative brief.
Denomination | Description | Diameter | Weight | Alloy | AGW * |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal Arms | 22.50 | 19.62 | .9166 | 0.5782 | |
Britannia | 27.30 | 15.50 | .9166 | 0.4568 | |
Twenty Pence
|
Crowned Rose | 21.40 | 9.75 | .9166 | 0.2873 |
Ten Pence
|
Lion Passant Guardant | 24.50 | 12.66 | .9166 | 0.3731 |
Five Pence
|
Crowned Thistle | 18.00 | 6.33 | .9166 | 0.1866 |
Two Pence
|
Prince of Wales Plumes | 25.91 | 13.96 | .9166 | 0.4114 |
One Penny
|
Crowned Portcullis | 20.32 | 6.98 | .9166 | 0.2057 |
Total
|
All Seven Coins | 82.8 | .9166 | 2.4992 |
Date | Description | Issue Limit |
2008 | Gold 7 Coin Emblems of Britain Set | 2,008 |
When compared to the Royal Mint price of £2,441.00 you will make a saving of £2,441.00 per item when ordering from us.
2008 Emblems of Britain and Royal Shield of Arms Gold Proof Dual Collection
You may wish to use our order form .
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