Platinum Emblems of Britain

2008 UK Platinum Emblems of Britain Coin Collection in Box

Platinum Coins

Reverse of 2008 UK Platinum Emblems of Britain Coins

For the first time since decimalisation the legal tender coins of the United Kingdom will undergo a major design change. In the late spring of 2008 the nation will see new designs on the coinage, from the 1p to the £1, reflecting a more modern twenty-first century Britain.

To mark this watershed in numismatic history, and to commemorate the reverse designs that have served Britain well for almost 40 years, the Royal Mint is producing a limited-edition platinum Proof collection.

• This is the first time that these seven definitive coins have been struck in platinum
• Extremely low issue limit of 250 collections
• All the coins are dated 2008
• Purchase the 'Last of the Old' and get first opportunity to purchase the 'First of the New' (to be released late spring 2008).

As a gift.
The Emblems of Britain Platinum Collection of seven definitive coins is the ideal gift for coin collectors and is the perfect memento of this historic time in numismatic history as the 'last of the old' coin designs are changed in 2008.

Product Information
The Platinum Collection comprises seven coins bearing the definitive reverse designs, the portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS on their obverse, and are all dated 2008. Each coin is struck in .9995 platinum to Proof quality. For such a magnificent collection, the Royal Mint has commissioned high-quality hand-crafted walnut veneer cases designed exclusively to house the platinum Proof coins. An informative booklet featuring a potted history of the iconic designs completes the presentation. Incorporated into each booklet is an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Further Information on the Emblems of Britain Collections
To follow.

Background & History
The introduction of the new decimal series of coins was no easy task 40 years ago. From settling the dimensions of the coins, to the creation of the designs, to their production by the Royal Mint it was a mammoth undertaking. Not only did the different denominations need to be readily distinguishable by sight and touch from each other, they also needed to avoid being confused with existing coins of the pre-decimal system.

As for their designs, a new portrait of the Queen by Arnold Machin RA had already been prepared and approved, while for the reverse designs it was announced in November 1966 that a public competition would be arranged. More than 80 artists took part and, from the 900 or so designs that were received, a series by Christopher Ironside was eventually approved, his designs drawing praise for the 'lack of clutter', a requirement that had been stressed in the creative brief.

Technical Specifications

Denomination	Description	Diameter	Weight	Fineness	APW
50 Pence	Britannia by Mary Milner Dickens	27.30	19.10	.9995	0.6138
20 Pence	Crowned Rose by William Gardner	21.40	12.01	.9995	0.3859
10 Pence	Lion Passant Guardant by Christopher Ironside	24.50	15.60	.9995	0.5013
5 Pence	Crowned Thistle by Christopher Ironside	18.00	7.80	.9995	0.2507
2 Pence	Prince of Wales Plumes by Christopher Ironside	25.91	17.20	.9995	0.5527
1 Penny	Crowned Portcullis by Christopher Ironside	20.32	8.60	.9995	0.2764
One Pound	Royal Arms by Eric Sewell	22.50	19.59	.9995	0.6295
All 7	Total		99.90	.9995	3.2125

Notes
Diameter = Diameter in millimetres.
Weight = Gross weight in grams
APW = Platinum Content = Fine platinum content in troy ounces.

Platinum Coins
Platinum coins are subject to VAT in the UK.

Price & Availability
Please contact us prior to ordering for current prices and availability.

Date	Denomination	Description	Issue Limit	Grade	Availability	Issue Price £	Our Price £	Our Price $	Our Price €
2008	Complete Platinum Emblems of Britain Proof Coin Collection	Boxed with Certificate, EU Including VAT	250	FDC	Ask	£4,995	£4,750		€6,650
2007	Complete Britannia 4 Coin Proof Collection	Boxed with Certificate, Export Excluding VAT	250	FDC	Ask	£4,251	£4,043	$8.350
2007	Complete Britannia 4 Coin Proof Collection	Boxed with Certificate, Buying	250	FDC	Buying	£	£3,500	$	€4,900

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