The Royal Mint Museum, established in the early nineteenth century and now containing well over 100,000 items, provides an absorbing glimpse into the history of Britain. One of the most fascinating series of objects is a set of impressions of Great Seals dating back over 1,000 years and it was this series that has been the inspirationbehind the beautiful fine silver collections that are now being made available. The Great Seal of the Realm is the ultimate symbol of royal authority. As such, it has, from the time of Edward the Confessor, been designed to reflect the status of each successive monarch.

It is not simply the historic import of the Great Seals that commands attention; it is their beauty and artistry, created by some of the foremost sculptors and engravers of their day, that is truly magnificent. It has been a challenge but also an honour to assemble a collection of silver strikings that, in meticulous detail, reflect the Great Seals of eight British monarchs of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Original artwork was made available to the Royal Mint Design Team so that the designs of the original Seals could be reproduced faithfully. As you will see, the result is a collection of great beauty and dignity.