Product Information

This exceptional collection of 2008 coins comprises every legal tender circulating coin of the realm, from the 1p to the £2, together with the three magnificent commemorative coins. All 11 are struck to superior Proof standard and are housed in a luxurious oak veneer case displaying on its lid the emblem of the Royal Mint. An informative booklet, which includes an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity, completes the presentation.

Later in 2008 the reverse designs on the circulating coins of the United Kingdom will be changing. The annual Sets of 2008 will therefore be the last ones to feature the existing designs that were introduced at the time of decimalisation and will prove to be extremely popular among coin collectors.

Background & History

The three new commemorative coins display on their reverses designs reflecting Britain's royal heritage and sporting history.

In 2008 His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will be celebrating his 60th birthday and in his honour the Royal Mint is striking a special commemorative £5 crown. The beautifully composed portrait of Prince Charles is the work of esteemed artist Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS whose effigy of the Queen has been in use on British coins since 1998. Following a number of private sittings and working from specially commissioned photographs the artist was able to present the final result that has been approved by both Prince Charles and the Queen. The inscription surrounding the portrait includes the words ICH DIEN, which means 'I serve', and is taken from the Badge of the Prince of Wales. The celebratory year dates of 1948 and 2008 also appear, together with his royal title THE PRINCE OF WALES.

To celebrate the 450th anniversary of the accession of Elizabeth I, one of the best-loved and influential English monarchs, a second ?5 crown has been struck featuring on its reverse a portrait of Elizabeth by the silversmith Rod Kelly. 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. A Tudor rose has been placed at each connecting point while the two side arches each contain a beautiful leaf pattern reminiscent of the carvings made by the Queen's loyal servant and friend, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. The year of her accession and the year of the anniversary are both shown in Roman numerals with the inscription ELIZABETH REGINA.

Since the first modern Olympic Games of 1896 in Athens, they have become the greatest sporting event in the world. The first time they were held in London was in 1908 at a purpose-built stadium in White City, London. The centenary of those Games therefore falls in 2008, and a commemorative £2 coin has been produced to celebrate the sporting achievements of the athletes who competed at those Games. The design that graces the reverse is by Royal Mint engraver, Thomas T Docherty, who chose as the central feature of his design a running track, an image that is readily associated with the Olympic Games. The anniversary date of 1908 is positioned within the track, with the words LONDON OLYMPIC CENTENARY encircling the design. The incuse edge inscription, THE 4TH OLYMPIAD LONDON, completes the design.