Royal Mint Unveils 2026 Coins Celebrating Historic Anniversaries

The Royal Mint has announced a series of new coin designs for 2026, commemorating significant milestones, including the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth and the 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society London (ZSL). This collection features five distinct coins, with innovative designs that pay tribute to British heritage and achievements.

Two new 50p coins will honor the 100th anniversary of the Grand Prix in Britain and the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust, while two £2 coins will celebrate the ZSL and the bicentenary of HMS Beagle. Additionally, a special £5 coin will mark 100 years since Queen Elizabeth II’s birth. A notable aspect of this collection is the introduction of 52 gold commemorative coins made from recycled gold, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.

Innovative Designs Reflecting Heritage

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint, shared her enthusiasm about the upcoming collection: “This is an exciting moment for the nation to discover some of the anniversaries that will be celebrated on UK coins in 2026. Whether you’re a royal enthusiast, a motor racing fan, or passionate about conservation, there’s something for everyone in this collection.”

The Royal Mint has collaborated with Sempsa to recycle gold from old jewellery and coins, aiming to produce all gold commemorative coins from recycled materials by the end of 2026. This initiative aligns with the Mint’s broader objectives of promoting sustainability and supporting a circular economy.

In 2024, The Royal Mint launched a reformation metals facility in South Wales, where gold is recovered from end-of-life technology, including laptops and mobile phones. The Mint also collaborates with Betts Metals to utilize silver from industrial and medical X-ray films in various products.

Details of the 2026 Commemorative Coins

The coins will be available for purchase starting January 2, 2026, from The Royal Mint’s website, with prices beginning at £39.50. A limited edition 22-carat gold coin set will be priced at £14,500, and each coin will also be sold individually throughout the year, with the exception of The King’s Trust 50p, which can only be purchased as part of the annual set.

Each coin in the collection features the official coinage portrait of the King on its obverse side. Visitors to The Royal Mint Experience in Wales will also have the opportunity to strike their own 2026 dated £1 coin starting January 2.

The designs for the 2026 collection include:

– **£5 Coin for Queen Elizabeth II**: Marking her centenary, this coin features her cypher and St Edward’s Crown, with the inscription “Exaltabitur in gloria,” translating to “She will be exalted in glory.” One hundred beads surround the design, symbolizing the 100 years since her birth.

– **£2 Coin for ZSL**: Celebrating 200 years of the Zoological Society of London, this coin showcases three key animals: the Sumatran tiger, Socorro dove, and partula snail, with the inscription “Restoring wildlife together.”

– **£2 Coin for HMS Beagle**: Commemorating the 200th anniversary of HMS Beagle, which played a significant role in exploration, this design depicts the ship along with the edge inscription “The voyage of the Beagle.”

– **50p Coin for the Grand Prix**: The design illustrates the evolution of vehicles used in the British Grand Prix, featuring both a historic racing car and a modern Formula 1 car.

– **50p Coin for The King’s Trust**: Reflecting the charity’s 50-year legacy, the coin’s reverse design by Jessica Gregorio highlights the journey and aspirations of young people, with symbols representing optimism and ambition.

The Royal Mint’s 2026 commemorative collection not only celebrates important anniversaries but also emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and innovation in coin production. Each design serves as a lasting reminder of the moments and institutions that shape British heritage.