Struck using ancient techniques combined with advancements in modern technology, and finessed by human touch, each coin has a fascinating story to tell. And all coins made at The Royal Mint are the produce of a rich history that spans over 1,100 years.
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c. 880 – Our First Coin
Struck in the ninth century, during the resettlement of London after its Viking occupation, a silver penny of Alfred the Great marks the beginning of our story.
1282 – The Trial of the Pyx is Established
Coins produced by The Royal Mint are independently checked for quality and accuracy through a ceremony known as the Trial of the Pyx. Officially formed in 1282, it continues to take place annually.-
1340 – Gold Coinage is Born
The first regular gold circulating coin appears in the form of the noble during the reign of Edward III. -
1489 – The Sovereign is First Struck
Henry VII orders a ‘new money of gold’ to establish the might and power of his reign. The impressive gold coin is called the Sovereign and is still known as the coin of the monarch. -
1696 – Isaac Newton Becomes Warden of the Mint
On the recommendation of Charles Montague, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Isaac Newton is appointed Warden of The Royal Mint. In 1699, he becomes Master of the Mint – a post he holds until his death in 1727. -
1815 – The Waterloo Campaign Medal is Created
The Royal Mint strikes medals to honour the bravery of the soldiers who fought at the Battle of Waterloo. This marks the beginning of a regular role in striking campaign and service medals for major conflicts. -
1817 – The Return of a Classic
The great coinage reform takes place following the end of the Napoleonic Wars. This includes the revival of The Sovereign, which features a reverse design of St George and the dragon by the Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. It remains one of the most iconic designs in numismatic history. -
1922 – The Royal Mint Advisory Committee
Established with the approval of George V, The Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC) is formed to raise the standard of numismatic and medallic art in the United Kingdom and is expected to ensure that coin designs meet high standards of art, decency and good taste. -
1935 – The First Commemorative Coin
The first modern commemorative coin marks George V’s Silver Jubilee. -
1953 – The First Coins of Her Majesty The Queen’s Reign
The coinage of Her Majesty The Queen begins in the year of her coronation and includes a crown featuring a reverse design by the herald painter Edgar Fuller and modelled by Cecil Thomas. -
1987 – Britannia Graces Bullion Coins
A classical interpretation of Britannia by Philip Nathan appears on bullion coins for the first time. Britannia featured on Roman coins c.119 AD and has appeared on the coins of every British monarch since 1672. -
2020 – An Edward VIII Sovereign Sells for £1 million
Sourced by The Royal Mint, an extremely rare Edward VIII Sovereign is sold to a private collector for £1 million. -
2021 – A Seven-Kilo Coin for 007
To tie in with the release of the Bond film No Time To Die, a special seven-kilo gold Proof coin – part of our unique Masterworks collection – is released as part of our James Bond Collection. On its release, the coin was the largest gold coin with the highest face value produced by The Royal Mint. -
2021 – The World’s First Trial Pieces Auction
For the first time in our 1,100-year history, an auction is held of die trial pieces – rare items that play a key role in the craft of making coins.
