Posts by Rachel
Could the 2020 Team GB become the most sought-after 50p ever?
Issued as part of the 2020 Annual Coin Set, the 50p coin supporting Team GB at the Tokyo Olympic Games has quickly become the talk of the collecting world…
As the news broke that this year’s Olympic Games would be postponed until 2021, collectors were soon asking the question, “What will happen to the 2020 Team GB 50p?”
Despite being released at the start of the year within the Annual Coin Set, the coin is yet to be individually released. We now know that this too will be postponed, in line with the Olympic Games, meaning collectors will have to wait until 2021 for the individual release of the Team GB 50p.
Two versions of the Team GB 50p
Excitingly, this will mean that there are two versions of the coin – one with the obverse dated 2020 from this year’s Annual Coin Set and one with the obverse dated 2021 for next year’s individual release.
The reverse design by David Knapton currently depicts the individual Olympic sports accompanied by the Olympic Rings, the Team GB logo, the inscription ‘TEAM GB’ and the date ‘2020’. But will this also be updated to reflect the new date of the Games – 2021?
Already in high demand
Already, the 2020 version of the Team GB 50p is being listed on secondary market sites for well over face value, as collectors rush to secure this version of the coin.
In fact, it appears that collectors have removed the coin from Annual Sets and is seen selling on eBay for over £35.
Demand for the 2020 version of the Team GB 50p is sure to be high, especially as it is only available as part of the Annual Set, meaning far fewer will be minted than if it were individually released.
Olympic 50p craze
Olympic themed coins are no stranger to the limelight…
In fact, it was the 2012 Olympic 50p collecting craze which kick started many collector’s interest in the hobby.
Since then an estimated 75% of these coins have been removed from circulation by collectors adding them to their collection.
And so collectors were delighted in 2016 when The Royal Mint issued a special 50p to wish Team GB success for the Rio 2016 Games, considered by many to be the 30th Olympic 50p.
The coin’s obverse features a swimmer with the Team GB logo, the Olympic rings and the inscription ‘TEAM GB’. Designed by Tim Sharp, the coin has been officially endorsed by Team GB and celebrates the spirit of British Olympians – a must have for all Olympic 50p Collectors.
But now as the 2020 Team GB 50p takes centre stage, the coin collecting community has been sent into a frenzy once more.
I’m sure not only Olympic 50p collectors, but all Change Checkers will be really eager to secure this highly sought-after coin and will also be looking forward to the individual release of the updated version next year.
Own the 2020 Team GB 50p in the Brilliant Uncirculated Annual Coin Set
Don’t miss the opportunity to secure the sought-after 2020 Team GB 50p as part of the Annual Coin Set.
Own the set today in Brilliant Uncirculated quality for £40.00 (+p&p).
Winning “50p” design released as Official Medal in support of Cavell Nurses’ Trust
Over the last few weeks and months, our nation has been inspired time and again by the incredible Key Workers who are on the front line, helping us through this challenging time.
In fact, people all across the UK are showing their support for our heroes during the weekly clap and with the beautiful rainbow pictures adorning our windows. And Change Checkers have also been making a special effort to give their thanks.
We asked Change Checkers to pay tribute to the UK’s Key Worker heroes by creating a coin design in recognition of their tireless work.
The top designs were selected from each category to be transformed into a virtual 50p and we were absolutely blown away by the entries!
But the best news is, we are incredibly excited to announce that one of the winning designs has been specially selected to be adapted into a special Rainbow of Hope Thank You Medal!
New Specially Issued Medal
The Rainbow of Hope Thank You Medal has been specially issued in support of Cavell Nurses’ Trust with all Ex-VAT sales going directly to support the work of the Trust at this critical time.
Reverse designer Sean Simon said, “I’m honoured and humbled to be a part of something of this scale, which will be beneficial to such a great cause. I work as an SEN school teacher and have many members of my family who work across the NHS and other key areas. As a school teacher I found this to be a great opportunity to show my appreciation to all the key workers across the UK who are working so hard during such difficult times. A rainbow was a must for the design as there are many children who may not understand the situation but are making the most of being inside. My children have thoroughly enjoyed making their own rainbows and looking for other rainbows during our daily walk.”
Say “Thank You” to our Key Worker Heroes
You can now say “Thank You” to all our health workers and carers along with all other Key Workers, with the Rainbow of Hope Thank You Medal and at the same time you’ll be supporting the vital work of Cavell Nurses’ Trust helping nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants suffering personal or financial hardship.
From simple, essential support like money to repair a broken cooker or boiler, to vital life-changing aid like helping a family flee their home due to domestic abuse, Cavell Nurses’ Trust is here to help. Never has their work been more important than during the current Coronavirus crisis.
All Proceeds Going To Charity
What’s more, The Westminster Collection will be donating 100% of the ex-VAT proceeds for every Rainbow of Hope Thank You Medal sold to Cavell Nurses’ Trust to support nursing and midwifery professionals in their time of need.
Our Nation’s Key Workers are risking their lives to help keep us safe – let’s do all we can to show our support and give something back!
Support the UK’s Key Worker Heroes when you order the Rainbow of Hope Thank You Medal
The Rainbow of Hope Thank You Medal is your chance to say thank you to our key worker heroes, with all proceeds going directly to support the work of the Cavell Nurses’ Trust at this critical time.
So please click here to order yours today – whether it’s to keep or give to a special key worker.
Centuries of tradition overturned.. Royal Maundy Ceremony CANCELLED
**2021 Update**
Maundy Money ceremony cancelled for second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic!
In 2020, perhaps for the first time ever, the ancient tradition of the Royal Maundy ceremony was cancelled.
Centuries of tradition have been overturned as one of the Church of England’s most archaic ceremonies is unable to take place due to the Queen being in isolation at Windsor Castle.
No-one knows for sure when, or if, Royal Maundy has been cancelled before. Even during wartime, King George VI and the Archbishop of Canterbury were able to uphold the tradition.
However, the unprecedented circumstances the world is facing right now means there is simply no other option than to break tradition…
Today’s ceremony was due to take place in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle with a choral accompaniment.
Now, rather than handing out the Maundy money consignments individually, the Queen has written personally to the 188 recipients saying, “The traditional Maundy money, which had been blessed in the Chapel Royal, was enclosed”, and the ceremonial red and white leather purses containing Maundy money have been delivered remotely by Royal Mail, for the first time since the tradition began.
So where does this tradition come from and what is the history behind Maundy money?
The History of Royal Maundy
Maundy Thursday is a key day during the Easter week which commemorates Jesus Christ’s last supper on the day before his crucifixion.
The Royal Maundy Church service takes place each year on this day, and is inspired by the generosity shown by Jesus in washing the feet of his disciples shortly before his death.
Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when English monarchs would wash the feet of beggars and offer gifts of food and clothing in imitation of Jesus.
However it was King John who was the first to give to the poor on Maundy Thursday and by the early 14th century, it had become customary for the sovereign to provide a meal, together with gifts of food and clothing.
Sharing the Wealth
For numismatists, the day has added significance in the form of Maundy money which is given out by the reigning monarch each year at the service.
The tradition of giving out money began with Charles II, with the first set of Maundy coins consisting of a four penny, three penny, two penny and a penny. The coins have remained in much the same form since then, and are traditionally struck in sterling silver.
At the Royal Maundy ceremony, the reigning monarch hands each recipient two small leather string purses – one white, one red. The red purse contains ordinary coinage as money (in lieu of the food and clothing which was offered years ago) and the white contains silver Maundy coins.
The Maundy coins total the age of the King or Queen in pence, so this year, as the Queen approaches her 94th birthday, each white purse will contain 94 pence.
Recognition of Service
Nowadays it is not the poor who are the recipients of this gift, but specially chosen members of the public in recognition of the service they have given to the Church and local community.
The number of men and women receiving Maundy Money also equals the age of the sovereign during the year, and since the reign of George I, the recipients have been an equal number of men and women. For example, this year 188 recipients will receive the Maundy coins – 94 men and 94 women.
The tradition and heritage behind Maundy money makes them among the most sought-after coins in British numismatic history. Their owners are part of an exclusive club which dates back centuries, and they still exemplify the generosity and selfless work of the Church during this week – the most important in the Christian calendar.
Sadly, this year, tradition has been broken and the Royal Maundy ceremony will not take place. Whilst the overturning of this ancient ceremony reflects the difficult and truly unprecedented times we are currently facing, it does not detract from the hard work and dedication of the well-deserving receivers of the Maundy money this year.
Her Majesty’s personalised letters to each receipiant demonstrate that even in the toughest of times, its important to honour those who give to our community.
If you’re interested in coin collecting, our Change Checker web app is completely free to use and allows users to:
– Find and identify the coins in their pocket
– Collect and track the coins they have
– Swap their spare coins with other Change Checkers
Sign up today at: www.changechecker.org/app