The image of Britannia, which has graced British coins for centuries, is to be removed from the 50 pence piece as part of a redesign by the Royal Mint.

The overhaul of all coinage in April is set to be the biggest change to British currency since the introduction of decimalisation more than 35 years ago.

Gordon Brown personally approved the change as one of his last acts as Chancellor of the Exchequer, despite his current campaign to push Britishness. The Queen is also said to be supportive of the scheme.

It will be the first time in more than 300 years that Britannia is not featured on a British coin. Read Full Story

The Royal Mint has announced the availability of three new commemorative coins for 2008; The Elizabeth I Anniversary Crown, The 4th Olympiad London Anniversary £2, and The Prince of Wales 60th Birthday Crown.

The Elizabeth I Anniversary Crown

This £5 coin features a specially designed reverse celebrating the 450th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth I. On 17 November 1558 the 25-year-old Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, was proclaimed Queen of England.

The Reverse of this Brilliant Uncirculated crown-sized coin was inspired by the magnificent ‘Armada’ portrait of Elizabeth by George Gower, the Queen is crowned and set within a mandorla created by four decorative arches. The obverse features the portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS. The coin display is an attractive folder rich in imagery and background information on the reign of one of the best-loved British monarchs. (more…)

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.

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. (more…)