Windrush generation and NHS celebrated in new 2023 coin collection
The Windrush generation and the NHS will be celebrated in new commemorative coins for 2023, bearing the King’s official coinage portrait.
According to the Royal Mint, the unveiling of the new collection symbolises one of the biggest changes to UK coins since decimalisation - the changing of a system or number to a decimal form.
Collectors will see UK coins make their transition from portraits of Britain’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, to the effigy of the King.
All new Royal Mint coins struck from January 1 2023 will bear the King’s portrait.
Rebecca Morgan, divisional director of the collector services at the Royal Mint, said: "Each year the Royal Mint reveals a collection of coins, known as the annual set, which feature a range of designs that appear on £5, £2 and 50p coins marking some of the year’s most significant moments and anniversaries."
Coins in the commemorative collection will mark milestone anniversaries and moments in history, including the King’s 75th birthday.
The 2023 annual set will include a £5 coin marking the 75th birthday of the King, a £2 coin celebrating the life and work of JRR Tolkien, a £2 coin celebrating the centenary of the Flying Scotsman, a 50p celebrating 75 years of the NHS and a 50p celebrating the Windrush generation.
In June 1948, a ship called HMT Empire Windrush docked in Essex, having arrived from Jamaica.
HMT Empire Windrush has become symbolic of its passengers and their subsequent generations who have played a pivotal role.
The 50p coin commemorates 75 years since the ship’s arrival and features a design by artist Valda Jackson, whose parents came to Britain from the Caribbean.
Last September, the Royal Mint previously unveiled the King’s portrait, as part of the Queen Elizabeth II memorial coin range.
Anne Jessopp, CEO of the Royal Mint, said: "I am honoured to unveil the first collection of 2023 coins featuring the effigy of King Charles III as we cement our role in history with this next chapter in British coinage.
"Our role as an exemplar of British craftsmanship means each coin bearing his portrait is of the highest quality, from the metal it’s struck on, to the hours of craft that’s gone into the design, the tooling and the final product for our customers."
The 2023 commemorative sets will be available in a range of precious metal and base proof finishes, from January 3 on the Royal Mint’s website, with prices starting from £50.
A set of silver proof coins will be available for £311 and a gold set can be bought for £7,845.
A platinum set can be purchased for £10,390, while each of the coins will also be available individually in 2023, the Mint said.
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