As we approach the end of the year, let’s take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly exceptional year for collectors. With a huge variety of subjects to choose from, we have seen some truly momentous coins issued this year that not only honour our rich heritage but also push the boundaries of artistry and craftsmanship.
Numismatics
This year, we marked the 200th anniversary of Jean Baptiste Merlen’s iconic crowned shield design for the sovereign. The anniversary coincided with the unveiling of the new Royal Arms of His Majesty King Charles III, providing a perfect bridge between past and present. Collectors have been especially drawn to its intricate heraldic design and the historical resonance of this anniversary issue.
Few coins have the mystique and allure of the Angel. With its exquisitely detailed design, rich history, and long association with healing and protection, the coin is always one of our most important annual releases. Angel coins struck in 2025 have a one-year-only privy mark, which pays homage to the medieval ship which adorned the reverse of the coin when it was originally struck for circulation.
In addition, we pay tribute to the Angel’s illustrious past by ‘Splash Striking’ gold and silver Angels to give them an appearance that evokes the look and feel of medieval hand-hammered coinage. Without a collar to control the displacement of the metal as the coin is struck, the coin appears flatter and broader than usual. The coin’s shape may also be slightly irregular and not perfectly round. Though the precious metal content and weight remain unchanged, no two coins produced without a collar are ever identical, meaning that each 2025-dated Angel is unique.
Remembrance
Coins honouring those who served and died in war always carry deep emotional significance. They serve as tangible reminders of personal sacrifice, courage under fire, and the high cost of freedom. In 2025, we commemorated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and we launched a poignant set of gold Proof sovereigns entitled ‘The Voices of Veterans,’ which invites collectors to experience Remembrance Day through the eyes of those who have faithfully served their country in war.
Remembrance coins like these enable individuals and families to honour the legacy of our heroes and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. For many, the coins provide a way of becoming a “guardian of their stories,” immortalising the bravery of those who gave their today for our tomorrow.
Royalty
Coins depicting royalty form part of a numismatic tradition that stretches back over 1,100 years in Britain to the time of King Alfred the Great. They provide a tangible connection to our history and national identity and evoke a sense of continuity, stability and pride.
As Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, the late Queen Elizabeth II had a lengthy association with coinage. Her portrait has appeared on more coins than any other person in history, a record which is unlikely to be broken in our lifetimes. This year, we partnered with the Ashmolean, one of the world’s oldest public museums, to bring you a carefully curated collection of original coins struck during her lifetime.
Each coin in our ‘Firsts and Lasts’ series marks a milestone moment in the late monarch’s long and distinguished reign. This allows you to not only hold history in your hands but also to protect and preserve it for future generations to appreciate and value.
Culture
When we think of the golden age of Hollywood and the birth of Rock and Roll, two names inevitably come to mind: Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley - both towering icons of twentieth-century pop culture who made an indelible mark on the world. Today, their stars burn brighter than ever as both continue to captivate new audiences with their talent, charisma, glamour and mystique.
We have been very fortunate to present an exclusive range of commemorative coins honouring their unique contribution to the arts. Given the enormous popularity of the coin sets issued this year, you can expect more on the way next year.
History
When it comes to history, there isn’t enough metal in the world to commemorate all the people and events that have collectively put the Great into Britain. This year, we honoured the 185th Anniversary of the introduction of the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black.
Sir Rowland Hill’s genius invention made sending letters and parcels more affordable than ever before and began a global revolution in the way people communicated. All of us have experienced the joy of sending and receiving letters and parcels from loved ones in the post.
We believe that Great British inventions like the Penny Post that changed the world should be celebrated and given the recognition they deserve. There is no better way to do this than with a beautifully designed and well-crafted commemorative coin - or, as in this instance, a coin and original stamp set!
Sport
Three years ago, it is estimated that 1.5 billion people around the world watched the 2022 World Cup Final - that’s one in every five people on Earth! With the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup well underway, we wanted to offer fortunate fans the opportunity to own a piece of football glory for themselves right now.
Our 2026 Official FIFA World Cup sets were accompanied by original photographs, hand-signed by three world-famous football legends who have each experienced the thrill of experiencing a World Cup final - Osvaldo Ardiles, Emmanuel Petit and David Villa!
Innovation, Exclusivity and Storytelling
We hope that our extensive range of 2025 commemoratives has piqued your interest this year. Whether it’s the tactile authenticity of the Splash Struck Angels, the poignant stories behind the Remembrance coins, the historic resonance of the shield sovereign, or the timely celebration of a Great British invention, every coin offers collectors a tangible connection to our history and heritage.
Explore these and other releases at The London Mint Office and become part of a tradition that spans the centuries.
