British Coins

2002 Gold Sovereign Proof - In 2002 Elizabeth II was in her 50th year as Queen making it a Golden Jubilee year. This coin has Timothy Noad’s Shield design depicted on the reverse.

1919 KN Penny – George V - During WWI the Royal Mint used private mints to help with production. This Penny was minted at the Kings Norton Metal Co., Birmingham (used in 1918 and 1919). The mint mark was 'KN'.

1703 Guinea – Queen Anne VIGO - Most 1703 coins do not have the VIGO mark below the bust. The VIGO means that the metal used was from Spanish bullion seized in Vigo Bay by an Anglo-Dutch expedition. This is a rare coin.

1996 Gold 2 Pound Coin – Football - To commemorate the 10th European Football Championship which were hosted in the UK, the Royal Mint issued this Gold £2 as a 'Celebration to Football'.

2005 50 Pence Coin – Johnsons Dictionary - 2005 was the 250th Anniversary of Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language published in 1755. The fifty pence coin shows part of the definition of the words '50 Pence'.

2009 Two Pound Coin – Charles Darwin - Charles Darwin (1809-1882) is universally known for his work on evolution with his book 'On the Origin of the Species' published in 1859.

What is Maundy Money? - Maundy Money are coins traditionally given out by the Monarch as a gift to the poor at Royal Maundy. The ceremony, which is associated with Christianity, is held on Maundy Thursday.

1823 Farthing – George IV - George IV Copper Farthing, dated 1823 and made at the Royal Mint. Note how George IIII (not IV) is used on the coin.

1066 Penny – Harold II - Harold II (Harold Godwinson) silver penny from 1066. Harold only reigned January to October 1066 when he was killed at the Battle of Hastings.

1977 Crown – Silver Jubilee - Issued to commemorate Elizabeth II's 25 years on the throne. This was the second of the decimal crowns and was denominated as 25 pence when released (previously, crowns were five shillings).