Posts by Rachel
Last Coins of the Queen feature Special Privy Mark
2022 is likely a year no collector will forget.
We’ve celebrated a Platinum Jubilee, mourned the loss of our Queen and welcomed a new monarch to the throne.
And, as ever, these extraordinary moments are retold through our UK coins.
Today, to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s incredible life and reign, an official UK Memorial coin set has been released. The coins feature the eight definitive coins from 2022, alongside the new Memorial 50p and £5 with the King’s portrait.
Last UK Coins of Queen Elizabeth II
Importantly, the definitive coins in this set will be the last in the UK to feature Her Majesty’s portrait.
What’s more, each definitive obverse design also features a special privy mark to show the Queen’s year of birth and year of passing – a never-before-seen feature for these coins, which is bound to add to their collectability.
Since Her Majesty’s passing, we’ve seen incredible demand for QE II coins. Both historic and new issues. Recent releases are continuously selling out at The Royal Mint and older issues are becoming increasingly scarce as the nation rushes to secure keepsakes and lasting tributes for the Queen.
And this set features the very last coins of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, meaning rapid sell outs of the limited precious metal versions are absolutely on the cards…
The good news for collectors is that the Brilliant Uncirculated version of the set is unlimited.
However, The Royal Mint have announced that stock will only be available until the 31st December 2022, so the sales window is incredibly limited for those of you wanting to secure this set.
Source: Joel Rouse/ Ministry of Defence Derivative: nagualdesign, OGL 3, via Wikimedia Commons
Appearing on our coins throughout her outstanding reign as our longest serving monarch, I’m sure you’ll agree that this set really is a touching tribute to Her Majesty. It’s a piece of history to treasure for generations to come.
Let us know in the comments below if you like the privy mark on the last Queen Elizabeth II coins.
Own the Last Coins of Her Majesty, with special privy mark, in Brilliant Uncirculated quality
You can own the 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Coin Set in Brilliant Uncirculated quality here >>
But, due to the limited sales window, you’ll need to act fast to make sure you don’t miss out.
What will King Charles IIIs Royal Cypher look like?
The EIIR royal cypher (Elizabeth II Regina) has become a staple of our everyday lives. Consequently, the nation is asking, ‘what will King Charles III’s Royal Cypher look like?’
The EIIR royal cypher adorned our postboxes, passports, official uniform for over 70 years. It even appeared on coins – including Her Majesty’s 90th and 95th Birthday £5s.
Subsequently, as we welcome our new King, we will also see his royal cypher. During the proclamation ceremony at Buckingham Palace on the 10th September 2022, it’s believed that this cypher was worn on his Majesty’s tie pin.
However, the official new royal cypher has now been revealed. As expected, it shows his Majesty’s initials, ‘CR‘ which stand for Charles Rex – the latin word for King.
The letter ‘R’ was also used as the King signed his name on the proclamation, as part of the long-standing tradition which goes back as far as Henry I in the early 12th century.
Replacing the EIIR Royal Cypher
The King’s royal cypher will eventually take over the Queen’s EIIR Royal Cypher. Significantly on government buildings, uniforms, and official documents.
The Royal Mail has confirmed “all existing post boxes [or those prepared for installation] will… also retain the insignia of Queen Elizabeth II” (EIIR Royal Cypher).
Thereafter, stamps will be updated once Royal Mail have completed the process of creating new designs with the portrait of the King.
As for coins, circulating coinage featuring Her Majesty’s portrait continue to be legal tender. While new coins featuring the King’s portrait will be very exciting for collectors, expect them to circulate slowly.
Remember, it is tradition for the portrait of the new monarch to face in the opposite direction, so we can expect new coins featuring the King to show his portrait facing left.
Undoubtedly it will be a sought-after issue among collectors looking to preserve this historic moment for generations to come.
So, where do you think Charles III’s royal cypher should appear? What is your favourite use of the EIIR royal cypher? Let us know in the comments below.
If you’d like to find out more about what’s set to happen next to UK coins and banknotes, head over to our FAQ page here >>
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Code-Cracking Coins Go Global!
Today we’ve heard the news of an Australian 50 cent coin being released featuring a code-cracking design which has got Change Checkers across the globe talking…
That’s because FOUR unique layers of code have been included in the design, each containing special messages about the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) – with the coin issued in celebration of their 75th anniversary.
The challenge for Australian collectors really is on to decipher the codes, including modern binary messages alongside coding which dates back thousands of years!
But, for collectors here in the UK, I’m sure this new Australian 50 cent has got you thinking about a recent 50p release with a design just waiting to be deciphered…
This UK 50p was issued to celebrate the life and achievements of famed war hero and cryptologist, Alan Turing.
Now, there’s no surprise this coin was popular with collectors. Not only is the 50p the UK’s most collected coin, but the release of last year’s Turing £50 banknote was the talk of the town! However, what really caught the attention of collectors was the design of the 50p…
You see, The Royal Mint have included not just one, but THREE hidden codes on the reverse of the Alan Turing 50p – can you spot them all?
GEARS GRIN THAN
Can you spot the words ‘GEARS GRIN THAN’ on the design of this coin?
When these words are entered into the ‘What 3 Words‘ navigation database, it shows a location for the University of Cambridge, where Turing studied mathematics!
ONLY A FORETASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME
The next hidden message is one of my favourite features of any UK coin.
Alan Turing’s famous quote ‘Only a foretaste of what is to come’ appears as an inscription.
This quote came from his reflections of his code-breaking machine, Bombe.
CD AND MD
And of course, the designers behind this fantastic design get an honorary feature, with Christian Davies and Matt Dent’s initials featuring as an inscription.
I’m sure you’ll agree that these new coins are quite unlike anything we’ve seen before and the code-breaking elements are an incredibly fun addition to an already stunning design.
I’d love to hear what you think of these designs and whether you can crack the codes! Let me know in the comments below!
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