The Royal Mint 2023 United Kingdom Brilliant Uncirculated Commemorative Coin Set

A Collection of Numismatic Excellence

Over 1,100 years of craftsmanship shapes the coins made at The Royal Mint. Although advancements in technology have reformed our production process, our reputation for innovation and quality has remained unchanged.

As we continue to strike coins that represent the height of numismatic craftsmanship, this year is no different.

The five commemorative coins specially selected for the 2023 Annual Sets each tell a story of British cultural and historic significance. Together, they embody our tireless dedication to the ancient craft of making coins.

Heralding a New Era

On 8 September 2022, the longest reign in British history came to an end as Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at the age of 96. Upon Her Majesty's passing, the United Kingdom welcomed a new monarch King Charles III.

Created by British sculptor Martin Jennings, the official coinage portrait of His Majesty The King graces the obverse of the commemorative coins in this set, marking a new era for the nation's coinage. Adhering to numismatic tradition, his Majesty faces left, which is the opposite direction Queen Elizabeth II faces in her definitive coinage portraits.

Royal Mint 2023 75 Years of the Windrush Generation 50p

The Generation Who Helped Rebuild Post-War Britain

On 21 June 1948, HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury in Essex after arriving from Jamaica. Travelling to the United Kingdom hoping to start a new life, many of the ship's passengers were ex-service personnel and others were seeking work to the ‘mother country' when it was facing severe labour shortages. Of the 1,027 passengers on board, 802 were British subjects, including men, women and children who gave their last country of residence as somewhere in the Caribbean.

Whilst it was not the first ship to transport British Caribbean passengers to the UK Following the Second World War, Windrush garnered much attention upon its arrival. Since then, it has become symbolic for many the Caribbean communities who, alongside numerous Commonwealth citizens, arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1973. These Individuals played a pivotal role in shaping and enriching modern British culture and society.

Royal Mint 2023 75 Years of the National Health Service 50p

Caring for Millions

Established in 1948, with the aim of providing care based on need and free at the point of use, the National Health Service has been a vital component of British society since its creation. Aneurin Bevan, the minister of Health at the time, launched a service that was the first of its kind, [blank] the need for insurance or [blank] and instead offering completely free healthcare on the basis of citizenship.

Celebrating 75 years of care, compassion and dedication, this commemorative UK S0p coin features a reverse design by Alice Lediard, which incorporates words that reflect our appreciation for the NHS.

Royal Mint 2023 Celebrating the Centenary of Flying Scotsman £2 Coin

The World's Most Famous Steam Engine

Built in Doncaster in 1923 and designed by Nigel Gresley, Flying Scotsman remains adored by rail enthusiasts and members of the British public alike. Originally part of the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway [LNER], and appearance at the British Empire Exhibition in London in 1924 marked the beginning of a publicity run that would see Flying Scotsman become recognised all over the world.

As we celebrate Flying Scotsman’s centenary in 2023, it continues to build the [blank] of the oldest working locomotive still operating in the UK’s mainline railways.

Royal Mint 2023 Celebrating the Life and Work of JRR Tolkien £2 Coin

Creator of Middle-earth

Creating a credible world that [blank] [blank] is the realm of fantasy takes not just imagination but intellect, which John Ronald Reuel Tolkien possessed in abundance. Born in South Africa of British parents, he moved to the United Kingdom at the age of three and was schooled in Birmingham, where he exhibited an extraordinary skill in language from a young age.

His mastery of languages positioned him well for his career as a highly respected philologist, but it was the publication of The Hobbit that set Tolkien on the road to global recognition and acclaim. The classic xxx has been a permanent fixture in children’s xxx since its publication in 1937 and was followed in 1954/55 by the immensely popular The Lord of the Rings, widely regarded on the blueprint for modern fantasy fiction.

Royal Mint 2023 The 75th Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III £5 Coin

Welcoming a New Monarch

His Majesty The King became heir apparent at the age of three and is the longest serving heir apparent in British history, Prior to becoming king, His Majesty had also became the longest-serving Prince of Wales in 2017.

In 2023, King Charles III celebrates his 75th birthday. To commemorate this personal milestone, we pay tribute to a monarch who has dedicated his life to a variety of good causes and upon becoming king, promised his ‘lifelong service’ to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. From campaigning on environmental issues, helping to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK, and championing the arts - His Majesty has invested much of his time in these [blank] he feels so passionately about.