Product Information

Housed in a bespoke presentation case featuring the new Royal Mint emblem on its lid, the Family Silver Collection contains no less than five spectacular United Kingdom Proof coins for 2008. Four of the coins are struck in .925 sterling silver, with the £2 coin plated in fine gold on its outer ring, while the Britannia £2 coin is produced in .958 Britannia silver. The Royal Mint's impeccable Proof quality ensures that each frosted design is raised above the mirror-like field. A maximum of 5,000 Family Silver Collections will be authorised for worldwide distribution which will be taken from each coin's individual issue limit. An informative booklet, incorporating an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity, completes this stunning collection.

Background & History

A Royal Birthday
In 2008 Prince Charles will be celebrating his 60th birthday and in his honour the Royal Mint is striking a special commemorative crown. The beautifully composed portrait of Prince Charles is the work of respected figurative sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS. Following a number of private sittings, and working from specially commissioned photographs, the artist was able to prepare an outstanding portrait that has been approved by both Prince Charles and the Queen.

The First Elizabethan Era
To celebrate the 450th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth I a £5 crown has been struck featuring on its reverse a portrait of Elizabeth by the silversmith Rod Kelly. Inspired by the magnificent 'Armada' portrait by George Gower, the Queen is depicted wearing a crown and set within a mandorla created by four decorative arches. The Tudor rose has been placed at each connecting point while the two side arches contain a beautiful leaf pattern.

A New Britannia
A new Britannia, the seventh since Britannia bullion coins were introduced in 1987, has been created for 2008. The designer, John Bergdahl, has created a standing portrait of Britannia, incorporating the traditional motifs of the lighthouse, the trident, the shield and the helmet that have long been associated with the numismatic image of Britannia.

The 4th Olympiad, London
The first time the Olympic Games were held in London was in 1908. The centenary of those Games therefore falls in 2008 and a commemorative bi-colour £2 coin has been struck 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 the symbolic image of a running track extending into the distance.

The Definitive Royal Arms
The original reverse design of the £1 coin, introduced into circulation in 1983, bore the Royal Arms with lion and unicorn supporters, a symbol of the Queen's sovereignty over the whole of the United Kingdom. This finely detailed depiction of the Royal Arms was created by Eric Sewell, a former Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint, and now appears once again on the £1 coin on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.