Royal Mint unveils their new coin designs for 2014
London, UK (PRWEB UK) 11 April 2014 -- The world is all about progress, a common practice that’s all about looking forwards, not backwards. Although the numismatic world often centres on coins of the past, there are times, such as now, when the Royal Mint unveils their new coin designs for 2014, where everyone’s attention turns to coins of today and more so, what value they may hold in the future.
It’s true to say that coins have never just been monetary currency used to buy goods and services with, but that they are also miniature works of art. And the same can be said of the new 50p, £1 and £2 coins that The Royal Mint has just recently unveiled.
Celebrating the past and looking to the future, these new coins have been minted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of World War 1, but also on a much lighter note, celebrate the Common Wealth Games taking place in Glasgow later this year between 23 July and 3 August.
The Royal Mint has said that the new coins will enter circulation gradually during the period of this year and will replace their current counterpart coins as they become unfit for use.
It’s not one but two designs on the new £2 coin that coin collecting enthusiasts will be able to look out for. The first will feature an image of Lord Kitchener’s famous call to arms, ‘Your country needs you’. The second will pay tribute to the 500th anniversary of Trinity House, the coastal defences that have helped protect shipping since 1514.
The new designs for £1 coins will continue a series celebrating the floral emblems of the UK nations. The shamrock and flax plant will feature on the £1 of Northern Ireland, while the thistle and bluebell are portrayed on the Scottish £1 coin.
On the back of the success of the special 2012 London Olympic Games commemorative coins, the new 50p piece will feature striking visuals of two sports – athletics and cycling – taking place at the upcoming Common Wealth Games, as well as the Saltire of Scotland.
Elliot Basker, Online Business Manager, Hallmark Coins, said, “There is always a buzz in the market when new coins are unveiled and begin to enter into circulation. We at Hallmark Coins are particularly excited about these new coins and truly believe that in the not too distant future they will become valuable collector’s items.
“When they do, numismatists out there will be able to make use of our expert and free coin valuation service to get a fair asking price for one of these special commemorative £2, £1 and 50p coins.”
Although reaction to the new coins on the whole has been very favourable, there have been some detractors out there who feel that the new £2 coin bearing the likeness of Lord Kitchener is glorifying war, and is being insensitive to the millions that laid down their lives for king and country.
Of course people are always entitled to their own opinion, but Shane Bissett, director of commemorative coins at The Royal Mint, said: “The Royal Mint has celebrated moments of national and cultural significance for more than 1,000 years.
“We wanted to reveal the coins to the British public and show the incredible works of art they can expect to see enter circulation this year. This will no doubt entice many to take a closer look at their change, collect their favourites and realise that many might be worth holding on to.”
Elliott Basker, Hallmark Coins, http://www.hallmarkcoins.co.uk, +44 800 612 7327, [email protected]
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