05 Nov 2014

The Royal Mint has announced the designs for its 2015 circulating and commemorative coins with the release of The Royal Mint 2015 coin collections and BU single coins in what is likely to be a vintage year for British coinage.

This will be the last chance to own coins bearing the definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, an almost constant presence on The Royal Mint’s coins since 1998, as it is to be replaced by a new fifth portrait.

Numismatists will recognise that the changing of a coinage portrait is a rare and eagerly anticipated occasion. Throughout the reign of Queen Elizabeth II there have been only four previous definitive effigies on the coins we use every day. Collectors are likely to be keen to have sight of the new portrait – and equally keen to secure these final issues of the coins bearing the fourth portrait before the last one is struck and issued.

Shane Bissett, Director of Commemorative Coin, Bullion and Medals at The Royal Mint, says: “The Royal Mint has commemorated moments of national and cultural significance on its coins for over 1,000 years, but I believe we will look back on 2015 as a truly vintage year - a celebration of the past, and the beginning of a new era for coinage.”

Along with coins in general circulation, each one of the 2015 UK coins featured in The Royal Mint’s annual sets is a snapshot of Britain through time. Themes for 2015 include the 50th anniversary of the death of Winston Churchill, the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo, the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta and the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The Royal Mint’s programme of commemoration marking the centenary of the First World War continues with a coin that honours the Royal Navy and the role that it played during the war.

The 50th Anniversary of the Death of Sir Winston Churchill 2015 UK £5

The name of Sir Winston Churchill is recognised around the world, even half a century after his death. One of the greatest Britons of all time, he was twice Britain’s Prime Minister, and twice helped the United Kingdom through the dark days of war. A great leader, soldier, artist, writer and now the only statesman ever to be commemorated on two coins created in his honour, his likeness has been captured by figure and portrait sculptor Mark Richards FRBS.

The 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo 2015 UK £5

Two centuries on and the Battle of Waterloo still captivates. Commanding characters, tactical manoeuvres, and a legacy – the Waterloo medal, honouring those who fought in the battle - are all remembered with this striking £5 coin. Sculptor, designer, artist and illustrator David Lawrence has captured the alliance between Wellington and Blücher which was pivotal to the outcome of this decisive battle in British, European and world history. 

The 800th Anniversary of Magna Carta 2015 UK £2

The Royal Mint has a long tradition of marking significant moments in history. This design, by experienced coinage artist John Bergdahl, records the moment 800 years ago when barons, noblemen and bishops gathered in the meadows of Runnymede to witness King John’s acceptance of the terms of the Magna Carta, a charter of freedoms that survives in part in British law today, and is recognised as one of the cornerstones of human liberty worldwide.  

The 100th Anniversary of the First World War - The Royal Navy 2015 UK £2

The Royal Mint’s programme of commemoration marking the centenary of the First World War continues with a £2 coin that honours the Royal Navy. As an island nation, Britain has been largely dependent on the seas for supplies and communications. The Royal Navy’s command of the oceans during the First World War kept Britain supplied and the front line reinforced until victory finally came. The detailed design, by respected military artist David Rowlands, features a Royal Navy battleship and honours the force whose contribution to victory in the First World War deserves to be remembered. 

 

The 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain 2015 UK 50p

In the summer of 1940 Britain faced the threat of invasion. It would fall to brave young pilots and their crews to defend the country – and so the Battle of Britain began. It was their finest hour; who can imagine the world today if they had failed in their task? Now, 75 years later, The Royal Mint honours the few with a commemorative 50p, bearing a design by stone and wood sculptor Gary Breeze.

The Premium Medal

The Proof finish Premium Medal is a showcase for The Royal Mint’s artistry. The theme of the eye-catching bi-metallic medal for 2015 by Royal Mint Engraver Thomas Docherty is security - a key focus for The Royal Mint. Blending time-honed craftsmanship with contemporary technology, its raised platform is decorated with the themes of the 2015 United Kingdom commemorative coins in micro-text. 

The Royal Mint Medal

The Royal Mint Medal, like the Premium Medal, is also a showcase for The Royal Mint’s engraving skills. The striking 2015 medal has been designed by Mint Engraver, Kerry Hathway, and celebrates Britain’s circulating coinage. Each one of the simple lines of the design defines the outline of a circulating or commemorative coin, from the 1p to the £5. The medal takes the form of an ingot, a block of metal frequently used in minting.