The vast history of coinage in Britain can be traced back to the Celtic tribes around 80 BC. From that storied beginning, coin creation continued through Roman rule, until that period ended.

For approximately 200 years following this time, it doesn’t appear that any coins were officially minted. All that changed, however, with the emergence of the English Kingdoms in 650 AD. As many as thirty separate mints were recorded and their management varied depending on the status of warring tribes.

Finally, in 1279, all mints were rolled up under a single mint system which was housed in the Tower of London. By 1464, mints were well-established and strictly managed, with a special mint board, mint wardens and local master workers.

Significant upheaval through the centuries, including the Black Plague and the war with Scotland, the Royal Mint has weathered many storms, emerging as one of the most prestigious mints in the world today.

Collectors are attracted to the intricate design of the Royal Mint’s Sovereigns, Britannia’s and Queen’s Beasts coins, available in fractional sizes and their equally impressive bars and rounds.