Huge prices for some new 2026 Royal Mint coins – full details | UK | News
The Royal Mint celebrates the bicentenary of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Queen Elizabeth II. It has unveiled five new UK coin designs for 2026, celebrating important anniversaries including the centenary of Elizabeth II’s birth. Two new 50p coins will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the British Grand Prix and the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust, while two new £2 coins will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the ZSL and the 200th anniversary of HMS Beagle.
The first £5 coin to be released by the Mint in 2026 will feature Queen Elizabeth II. It honors the 100th anniversary of Elizabeth’s birth. The Royal Mint has created 52 gold commemorative versions of its 2026 collection, using recycled gold for the first time.
The gold used in the annual sets, run in partnership with Sempsa, was recycled from old jewelery and coins. The Royal Mint aims to produce all its gold commemorative coins from recycled gold by the end of 2026.
Rebecca Morgan, commemorative coin manager at The Royal Mint, said: “This is an exciting moment for the country to explore 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.
“Coins have a unique ability to mark a variety of themes that resonate across different communities and interests, creating lasting reminders of the moments and institutions that shaped our common heritage.”
He added: “We are also delighted to include recycled gold in a limited number of commemorative coins. This move demonstrates our commitment to a more sustainable future for the Royal Mint, preserving limited precious metal resources and supporting a circular economy.”
In 2024, a reforming metals facility opened at the Mint’s manufacturing site in South Wales, where gold is recovered from end-of-life technologies such as laptops, TVs and mobile phones and used in jewelery and lifestyle products.
The Mint, in collaboration with Betts Metals, is also incorporating silver from industrial and medical X-ray films into products such as silver sixpence. The 2026 commemorative sets will be available to buy on The Royal Mint’s website from 2 January, with prices starting from £39.50 in a range of precious metal and base-proof finishes.
The limited edition 22 carat gold coin set is priced at £14,500. Each of the coins will be available individually through 2026, with the exception of The King’s Trust 50p, which is only available as part of the Mint’s annual set.
The coins can only be purchased rather than released into general circulation. Each commemorative coin in the set features the King’s official coin portrait on the obverse.
From 2 January, visitors to The Royal Mint Experience in Wales will have the opportunity to mint their own 2026 £1 coin.
Royal Mint 2026 annual set designs
Queen Elizabeth II £5 coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of Elizabeth’s birth
According to Mint, Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926. Elizabeth adorned more United Kingdom coins than any other British monarch. During his reign, five official coin portraits of the monarch appeared on coins circulating in the United Kingdom.
Design, II. It displays Elizabeth’s cipher and depicts St Edward’s Crown surrounded by foliage, inspired by the ironwork of the East Door of St George’s Chapel, where the late Queen is interred.
The design features the words ‘Exaltabitur in gloria’ which means: ‘He will be exalted in glory’. One hundred beads symbolizing the centenary of the Queen’s birth surround the design.
200 years of the ZSL £2 coin
Celebrating its bicentenary in 2026, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is committed to promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife. Founded by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1826 for the ‘advancement of zoological science’, the conservation charity now helps wildlife in more than 70 countries around the world.
The £2 coin commemorating Britain’s 200th anniversary features three important animals: the Sumatran tiger, the Socorro pigeon and the partula snail. The coin’s inscription reads: ‘Restoring wildlife together.’
HMS Beagle 200th anniversary £2 coin
HMS Beagle was used for exploration and discovery, and during its years of active service the ship’s passengers included naturalist Charles Darwin. Beagle was launched in 1820, refitted as a survey ship, and put into first service in 1826.
The design of the coin features a ship and on the edge there is an inscription that reads ‘Voyage of the Beagle’.
100 Years of the British Grand Prix 50p
The coin’s design shows the evolution of the vehicles used in the British Grand Prix over time, showcasing a historic racing car from previous races alongside the 2026 Formula 1 car.
50 Years of the King’s Trust 50p
In 1976, King Henry III. Charles used his Navy severance pay to fund various community initiatives, laying the foundation for what is now known as The King’s Trust (previously The Prince’s Trust).
Over the last 50 years, the charity has helped more than 1.2 million young people in the UK, helping them develop the confidence and skills needed to prepare for work, secure employment or start a business.
The coin’s reverse features a design by graphic designer and former beneficiary of the foundation, Jessica Gregorio, reflecting the journey and aspirations of the young people supported by the charity.
A flowing stream references the origin story of the Royal Navy; the sun represents the light that optimism and confidence bring to young lives; Clouds symbolize dreams and ambitions.
