• The Royal Mint Museum’s annual short story competition for 8–11-year-olds opened this week (Monday 19^th February) on the topic of “Coins of the Sea”.
• Entries will be judged by award-winning author, historian and broadcaster, Greg Jenner.
• The winner’s story will come to life through illustrations by artist and coin designer David Lawrence and will receive £5000 in vouchers for their school library or their chosen local library.

21st February: 

Budding young authors are invited to set sail on a literary voyage and enter The Royal Mint Museum's Annual Short Story Competition, which launched this week (Monday 19th February).

Open to all UK pupils aged 8 to 11, the 500-word story competition is based on the topic of, “Coins of the Sea”. From sea shanties to shipwrecks, entrants are encouraged to dive into the depths of their imaginations and tell the tale of a cargo ship carrying gold coins through troubled waters.

The competition closes on Friday 29th March, with all entries judged by Greg Jenner, award-winning public historian and host of BBC’s popular podcast series “You’re Dead To Me”. This year’s winner will be announced at the prestigious Hay Festival and receive a commemorative coin from The Royal Mint and £5000 in vouchers for their school library or favourite local library, courtesy of children’s books supplier Peters. The winning story will also be framed and professionally illustrated by artist and coin designer, David Lawrence.

Dr Kevin Clancy of the Royal Mint Museum says, “Coins have played a significant role in the history of seafaring, whether they have been tokens of good luck or sunken treasure. We are delighted that our Short Story Competition continues to evoke a range of emotions and responses and we can’t wait to read this year’s entries.”

Four runner-up prizes of commemorative coin sets, and five highly commended certificates will also be awarded. All winning stories will be available to read on The Royal Mint Museum website and become part of the Museum’s archive, which documents the rich history of the organisation over the past 1,100 years.

For more information, inspiration and downloadable teaching resources, visit: https://www.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/learning/short-story-competition/