Mar 31, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) is pleased to announce the following 2023 honorees for the American Women Quarters™ Program:
- Bessie Coleman – pilot, advocate, and pioneer who flew to great heights as the first African American and first Native American woman pilot, as well as the first African American to earn an international pilot’s license.
- Jovita Idár – Mexican American journalist, activist, teacher, and suffragist. She devoted her life to fighting against separatist ideologies and sought to create a better future for Mexican Americans.
- Edith Kanakaʻole – indigenous Hawaiian composer, chanter, dancer, teacher, and entertainer. Her moʻolelo, or stories, served to rescue aspects of Hawaiian history, customs, and traditions that were disappearing due to the cultural bigotry of the time.
- Eleanor Roosevelt – first lady, author, reformer, and leader. As chairperson of the Human Rights Commission where she oversaw the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and as the first chair of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights, she advocated diligently for the civil liberties and needs of the poor, minorities, and the disadvantaged.
- Maria Tallchief – America’s first prima ballerina, she broke barriers as a Native American ballerina who exhibited strength and resilience both on and off the stage.
“The range of accomplishments and experiences of these extraordinary women speak to the contributions women have always made in the history of our country,” said Mint Deputy Director Ventris C. Gibson. “I am proud that the Mint continues to connect America through coins by honoring these pioneering women and their groundbreaking contributions to our society.”
Authorized by Public Law 116-330—the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020—the American Women Quarters Program features coins with reverse (tails) designs emblematic of the accomplishments and contributions of prominent American women. Contributions come from a wide spectrum of fields including, but not limited to, suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, humanities, science, space, and the arts. The women honored come from ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse backgrounds. As required by the public law, no living person will be featured in the coin designs, and thus all the women honored must be deceased. The Mint is issuing five coins with different reverse designs annually over the four-year period from 2022 through 2025.
The obverse (heads) depicts a portrait of George Washington originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser to mark George Washington’s 200th birthday. Though her work was a recommended design for the 1932 quarter, then-Treasury Secretary Mellon ultimately selected the now-familiar John Flanagan design.
The obverse design is common to all quarters issued in the series. Inscriptions are be “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2023.”
As stipulated by the public law, the Secretary of the Treasury selects the women to be honored following consultation with the Smithsonian Institution’s American Women’s History Initiative, the National Women’s History Museum, and the Congressional Bipartisan Women’s Caucus.
Numismatic Products
Explore the first circulating and numismatic quarter program that exclusively honors the achievements of women. This inspiring collection demonstrates what can be possible with determination, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of American women by visiting https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/american-women-quarters-program/.
Mar 31, 2022 | Announcements, Royal Mint
The Royal Mint, inspired by Disney, has launched the latest 50p coin in the much-loved Winnie the Pooh and Friends coin collection, featuring Eeyore on an official UK 50p coin.
Also joining the adventure in 2022 are Kanga and Roo and a final gathering of Pooh and his closest friends from Hundred Acre Wood represented on a 50p, concluding the popular nine-coin collection.
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Eeyore 2022 UK 50p Gold Proof Coin obverse
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Eeyore 2022 UK 50p Gold Proof Coin reverse
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Eeyore 2022 UK 50p Brilliant Uncirculated obverse
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Eeyore 2022 UK 50p Brilliant Uncirculated reverse
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Eeyore 2022 UK 50p Brilliant Uncirculated reverse edge
In collaboration with Disney, the childhood character coin designs have been inspired by the original illustrations of E. H. Shepard from A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories published in 1926.
Combining traditional craftsmanship and innovation, the classic watercolour effect of the original 1926 manuscript has been remastered with colour printing across the special-edition silver and BU coins.
The new characters follow Winnie the Pooh, Owl, Tigger, Christopher Robin and Piglet, who have each been miniaturised on a 50p since the Winnie the Pooh and Friends coins first launched in 2020.
Designed by The Royal Mint designer Daniel Thorne, the timeless characters have been brought to life in miniature on a gold, silver colour edition and brilliant uncirculated, also available with colour printing.
Adding an original twist, Thorne’s signature bee motif continues to feature alongside the classic design across the 2022 coins, as well as the entire Winnie the Pooh and Friends range.
The latest Eeyore design is available individually from today at The Royal Mint website. Collectors can also sign up to purchase the three 2022 Winnie the Pooh and Friends coins or the nine-coin collection.
Clare Maclennan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said: “The Winnie the Pooh and Friends collection, inspired by Disney, has proved popular with coin collectors of all ages, and continues to appeal to new and younger collectors wanting to celebrate their favourite characters with a collectable 50p. In the latest instalment of the timeless Winnie the Pooh range, we are delighted to reveal that Eeyore will be joining the fun in 2022.
“Inspired by the original illustrations from the classic A. A. Milne Winnie-the-Pooh publication, the new Eeyore design showcases the creativity, craftsmanship and innovation of The Royal Mint’s design team – with the added charm of the special-colour-edition coins, which capture the original watercolour illustrations of E. H. Shepard, in a fitting tribute to the much-loved adventures.”
Speaking of the design, The Royal Mint’s designer Dan Thorne said: “Using inspiration from the original decorations of E.H. Shepard has been a fantastic experience but one that has also tested me as a designer. With each design, so much care and attention has been given to remastering the iconic decorations for the canvas of a coin while staying true to the texts people know and love.
“I also wanted to add something extra special for collectors, with the bee motif. Inspired by the original decorations the buzzy bee from the storybooks features on each of the nine coins in the collection. I hope collectors can appreciate the beauty in each design in the range and enjoy the special colour editions.”
Mar 30, 2022 | Announcements, Auctions
The online sale is the first in a series of auctions showcasing the complete holdings of a major collector of American coins, with nearly every item in The Red Book represented.
MARLBOROUGH, MA – Skinner Auctioneers will host an online auction of Coins & Currency from March 27, 2022 – April 6, 2022. The sale’s hundreds of featured lots all derive from the estate of a New England antiquarian who amassed a formidable collection of coins in the course of over 70 years. This auction includes mint products from the early to modern United States, including certified coins, nickels, dimes and half-dimes of rare and exceptional quality.
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Lot 1194. 1891-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle, MS-62, a raw coin
housed in a 2×2 holder.Estimate $1,500-2,500
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Lot 1194. 1891-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle, reverse
The accumulation of a devotedly personal collecting hobby, which is itself a time-capsule of the priorities and practices of the American coins market over the past several decades, Skinner’s upcoming auction is a bounty of fine specimens of historical currency—a broad field, loaded with many hidden gems. Exemplary of the collection’s quality and care is an 1891 Carson City Liberty Head Eagle of Near-Mint Condition (est. $1,500-2,500). This $10 gold piece was one of the largest denominations available to the public at the time, minted in extremely limited runs and largely circulated between banks. Its rarity is compounded by its Carson City provenance, a short-lived U.S. mint that epitomized for many the hopes and harmonies of the American West. Skinner Coins Specialist David Donahue notes that a preponderance of special Carson City coins will be featured in this sale alongside this eagle.
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Lot 1050. 1817 Capped
Bust Half Dollar, About
Uncirculated, sharply struck details,
altered surfaces, original toning, a
raw coin housed in a 2×2 holder. Estimate $500-800
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Lot 1050. 1817 Capped
Bust Half Dollar, reverse
An 1817 Capped Bust Half Dollar, Choice Uncirculated (est. $500-800), epitomizes the great care and sharp eye characteristic of this fine collection. The obverse capped bust of Lady Liberty, long a collectors’ favorite, and the rearing eagle on reverse each bear an exemplary level of detail and quality, notwithstanding the 205 years since this coin was initially struck. With many fine details hand-punched into the dies, this is an ideal coin with which to study the minute variations and detail-work of the iconic capped bust. Once the most-circulated large silver coin of its day, the quality of this lot at auction is a rarity and a special occasion. An 1868 “Missing Leaf” Shield Nickel, Gem Uncirculated (est. $300-500) is another widely cherished coin for its signature idiosyncrasy—an olive leaf missing from the engravature around the Shield of Liberty on the obverse. This coin is still in such fine condition as to allow for the study of its several die cracks.
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Lot 1030. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime, Good, a well worn
example, raw in a 2×2 holder. Estimate $600-900
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Lot 1030. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime, reverse
The collection goes back to the late 18th Century, with a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime, Good (est. $600-900) as an early representative example. One of the first silver coins that the U.S. Mint put out, the half dime had a limited mintage to begin with, making for even fewer survivors today. The flowing hair of Liberty represents one of the first federally authorized depictions of her. Additionally, two 1875 Twenty Cent Seated Liberties, Semi-Prooflike/Extremely Fine (est. $250 & $350, respectively), gesture at the unfixed nature and history of numismatics itself. Seen here with different levels of eye-catching toning, these coins were stored for several decades in paper envelopes, the acid of which altered their faces in lustrous, ruddy hues. Made for only two years and discontinued due to their resemblance to the quarter, and having now outlived the period in which cleaning and polishing were common in archival treatment, these Seated Liberties are emblematic of the long and winding road of history and its preservation over time.
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Lot 1036. 1875 Twenty
Cents, About Uncirculated, a raw
coin toned red by its long term
containment in a brown paper
envelope, exhibits prooflike surfaces. Estimate $250-350
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Lot 1036. 1875 Twenty
Cents, reverse
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Lot 1038 1875 Twenty Cents, Choice Extremely Fine,
original toning, housed in a 2×2 holder. Estimate $200-300
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Lot 1038 1875 Twenty Cents, reverse
About Skinner
Skinner attracts top consignments and commands record-breaking prices in the international auction marketplace. With renowned expertise and extraordinary service, Skinner is the place for buyers, sellers and the passionately curious. Skinner appraisers are familiar faces on PBS’s 19-time Emmy Award-nominated ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. Visit us in Boston, Marlborough, New York, Maine, Florida, or online at https://www.skinnerinc.com.
Mar 28, 2022 | ANA, Announcements
“Dynamic Designs, Artistic Masterpieces” is the theme of National Coin Week, April 17-23, 2022
Look closely at the change in your pocket or purse. You might have coins worth more than face value and certainly will find miniature works of art on every piece of money, according to the American Numismatic Association (www.money.org) which celebrates National Coin Week, April 17-23, 2022.
Established in 1924, the theme of this year’s National Coin Week is “Dynamic Designs, Artistic Masterpieces.”
“Money is history you can hold in your hands. Every coin or piece of paper money in your pocket, wallet, or purse has a story to tell about people, places, and events,” said Dr. Ralph Ross, president of the Congressionally-chartered American Numismatic Association (ANA) based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
With recent economic hard times, some older and potentially valuable coins might turn up in circulation as people
cash in coins stored in piggy banks, coffee cans and sock drawers.
Every pre-1965 dated dime, quarter-dollar and half-dollar is composed of 90 percent silver, so if silver is $25 an ounce, those coins are worth about 18 times face value because of their precious metal content, according to the ANA. For example, when silver is at $25, a common dime dated 1964 or earlier, is worth about $1.80; 1964 or earlier quarters are worth about $4.50 each; and 1964 or earlier half dollars contain about $9 in silver. Scarce date and mintmark coins can be worth significantly more.
“While you may not find a fortune in your pocket change, we want people to realize the historical, cultural, artistic and economic importance of all money as well as the enjoyment of coin and paper money collecting,” said National Coin Week coordinator Andy Dickes. “Over the centuries, the designs, denominations and metallic content of coins can tell us a great deal about civilizations, past and present, such as famous and not-so-famous political and historical figures, important events, and landmarks.”
New dynamic designs and artistic masterpieces on coins continue today. All quarter-dollars issued for circulation in 2022 have a new image of President George Washington.
The “new” portrait of Washington on the obverse (“heads” side) was created 90 years ago by acclaimed sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser as a proposed design to commemorate Washington’s 200th birthday in 1932. It is now being used as part of the United States Mint’s four-year American Women Quarters Program that will honor 20 different women with special designs on the reverse (“tails” side) of quarters issued through 2025.
The ANA is providing complimentary online educational programs as well as hobby-related games and quizzes for the chance to win prizes during National Coin Week.
Between April 17 and 23, new members can join the Association at special discount rates of $13 for an online-only membership and $31 to receive the print edition of the Association’s award-winning monthly magazine, The Numismatist. Everyone joining or renewing their membership at the special discount rates that week will also receive a complimentary copy and informative book, Collecting Rare Coins for Pleasure and Profit.
For additional information, visit www.NationalCoinWeek.org.
Mar 23, 2022 | Announcements
(New York, New York) March 23, 2022 – Veteran rare coin auction executive Julie Abrams has been appointed Global Business Development Leader by Hugh Wood Inc (HWI)., an international insurance company that provides services to collectors and dealers of coins, banknotes, and other collectibles. For the past ten years, she served as President of Legend Rare Coin Auctions where she will continue to serve in an advisory capacity.
Abrams’ career in numismatics began in 1986 when she helped launch Teletrade, the first computerized auction company. She became President of Teletrade and helped increase the frequency of auctions and expanded annual sales to $24 million. In 1999, she was named Executive Vice President of Sales at Teletrade’s parent company, Greg Manning Auctions, Inc. In 2004, Abrams joined Stack’s Bowers where she helped expand the company’s e-commerce presence and online bidding platform and obtained major consignments for the firm’s auctions.
Simon De Burgh Codrington, vice chairman at Hugh Wood Inc., stated: “I am thrilled to have Julie join our team. She is a true relationship person, and we are also driven by relationships. Julie’s focus coupled with our team of experts will enable us to deliver even better results to our existing clients and to continue to develop and welcome new clients to the HWI family. I see this as a great step for Julie, HWI and the collectibles community.”
“I have known Simon and his team for over two decades and know they are solid, experienced, and trustworthy,” said Abrams.
“I’m truly excited to help my friends in the numismatic world and other fields effectively find just the right level of insurance protection at a competitive price. It is important that organizations, small businesses, and homeowners protect their beloved collectibles such as coins, sports memorabilia, and fine art. HWI has a finger on the pulse on insuring the collectibles market worldwide like no other,” she emphasized.
Abrams is a long-time member of the American Numismatic Association, Central States Numismatic Society, and Florida United Numismatists.
Hugh Wood Inc. (https://hwinternational.com/us) was established in 1982 as an independent insurance broker based in New York City and has since expanded into a global operation with 4 U.S. branches, 6 in Europe, and offices in Canada, Australia, and Hong Kong. HWI offers personalized fine art and collectibles insurance services as well as insurance expertise in commercial and residential real estate, personal client services (personal lines), marine and commercial lines, and health and employee benefits insurance.
For additional information, contact Julie Abrams by email at JAbrams@HughWood.com or by phone at 646-786-7442.
Mar 15, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) today announced it will forgo the production and sales of Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars in 2022. This calculated pause is directly related to the global pandemic’s impact upon the availability of silver blanks from the Mint’s suppliers. The suspension will give the Mint time to evaluate the best way to allocate our limited supply of silver to ensure the best customer experience we can.
“We’ll be required to make business decisions like this until the supply chain for silver blanks recovers from the disruptions caused by COVID-19,” said Mint Deputy Director Ventris C. Gibson.
“I want to ensure that our customers know,” she said, “that the modern renditions of the historic Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars will continue next year. Our goal is straightforward: to give our loyal customers the products they want and the service they deserve.”
Please visit the Mint’s 2022 Product Schedule at https://catalog.usmint.gov/product-schedule/2022/.
To reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, the Mint’s sales centers are closed until further notice. Please use the United States Mint catalog site https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status.
Mar 14, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON –The United States Mint (Mint) is pleased to announce the sale of the 2022 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins beginning on March 17 at noon EDT. Orders are limited to one coin per household for the first 24 hours from the on-sale date and time.
Struck in 22-karat gold at the West Point Mint, these popular coins are collector versions of the official United States Mint American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins. In 2021, for the first time since their introduction more than three decades before, the reverse (tails) of American Eagle Gold Proof Coins debuted a newly designed portrayal of an eagle, created by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Jennie Norris and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” along with the face value and weight.
The coins’ obverse (heads) features Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ full-length figure of Liberty with flowing hair, holding a torch in her right hand, and an olive branch in her left. To render a closer reflection of Saint-Gaudens’ original vision, legacy details of the obverse design also were restored in 2021, including modifications to the U.S. Capitol Building, stars, torch, sun rays, and other design elements based on the original bronze cast.
The 2022 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins will be available in the following five product options:
| PRODUCT CODE |
PRODUCT OPTION |
PRODUCT LIMIT |
MINTAGE LIMIT |
| 22EB |
One Ounce Coin |
6,000 |
16,000 |
| 22EC |
One-Half Ounce Coin |
2,000 |
12,000 |
| 22ED |
One-Quarter Ounce Coin |
4,500 |
14,500 |
| 22EE |
One-Tenth Ounce Coin |
14,000 |
24,000 |
| 22EF |
Four-Coin Set (includes one of each weight) |
10,000 |
N/A |
American Eagle Gold Proof Coins are priced according to the range in which they appear on the Mint’s Pricing of Numismatic Gold, Commemorative Gold, and Platinum and Palladium Products table. Current pricing information is available here.
The one ounce and four-coin sets are part of the Authorized Bulk Purchase Program and are available to Authorized Bulk (AB) members. Products listed in this program will be eligible for early release, carry an AB suffix to the product code, and may carry a premium. Early released products are not eligible for discounts.
Information about additional products featuring the American Eagle Gold Coins will be published on the Mint’s 2022 Product Schedule at https://catalog.usmint.gov/product-schedule/2022/.
Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date of March 17, 2022, at noon EDT.
To reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, the Mint’s sales centers are closed until further notice. Please use the United States Mint catalog site at https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status.
Mar 9, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will open sales for the third release in its United States Armed Forces Silver Medal Program on March 11 at noon EST. The medal honors the U.S. Navy.
Designs featured on this medal are emblematic of the history and mission of the U.S. Navy. The obverse (heads) depicts the U.S. Navy destroyer John Paul Jones cutting through the water while the U.S.S. Constitution sails behind it. An F-18 Hornet formation flies by, leaving smoke trails in the sky, paying honor to both ships. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES NAVY” and “DON’T GIVE UP THE SHIP,” the latter spoken by mortally wounded Commander James Lawrence to his crew on the U.S.S. Chesapeake during the War of 1812. United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Donna Weaver created the design, which was sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Jay M. Kushwara.
The reverse (tails) features a line of sailors manning the rail while the American flag flies in the background. The inscriptions are the Navy’s core values, “HONOR,” “COURAGE,” and “COMMITMENT.” AIP Designer Steve Ferris created the design, which was sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist John P. McGraw.
Medals in the Armed Forces Silver Medal Program weigh 2.5 ounces, are two inches in diameter, and are struck in 99.9 percent fine silver. Each medal is encapsulated and packaged in a presentation case, and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from the Mint.
The U.S. Navy Silver Medal is priced at $160. To set up a REMIND ME alert for this product, (product code S20MC), visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/u.s.-navy-2.5-ounce-silver-medal-S20MC.html. To view the Mint’s complete portfolio of medals, please visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/shop/medals/.
Anticipated future releases in the Armed Forces Silver Medal Program include medals honoring the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Space Force.
Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of March 11, 2022, at noon EST.
To reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, the Mint’s sales centers are closed until further notice.
Mar 9, 2022 | ANA, Announcements
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) has selected GreatCollections Coin Auctions (www.GreatCollections.com) of Irvine, California as the exclusive Official Auctioneer of the ANA. The new three-year contract is effective immediately.
“We are pleased to welcome GreatCollections as the official auction partner of the ANA,” stated Kim Kiick, executive director of the Association. “GreatCollections and its president, Ian Russell, are very supportive of the ANA and its efforts to attract positive attention and attendance at our two annual shows.” (GreatCollections displayed the world’s most valuable rare coin, the legendary 1933 Double Eagle, at the ANA World’s Fair of Money® last year.)
“The Association has been exploring options to change the auction format at our shows,” Kiick explained. “GreatCollections has become a well-known and respected entity in the hobby with its weekly auctions offering thousands of certified coins and paper money. The benefits of this new relationship will be a plus for the Association, collectors, dealers and our shows.”
“We are proud and honored to have this multi-year agreement with the ANA, during these exciting times in numismatics when interest in coins is at an all-time high. And we take this responsibility seriously,” explained Russell. “We founded our business for the collector, and despite our growth, we continue to offer over 1,000 certified coins valued at less than $100 each week in our auctions, alongside coins in all other budgets right up to $1 million-plus.”
“Our firm has experienced unprecedented growth over the past two years, including representing some of the biggest collectors in today’s market. In the past six months alone, we have sold three 1804 Silver Dollars, including the finest known example presented to the Sultan of Muscat that we acquired at last year’s ANA auction for $7.68 million. We have plans in place to greatly expand our presence at each ANA convention, with extensive auction lot viewing and direct marketing of our auctions to ANA members,” said Russell.
The ANA and GreatCollections are encouraging other auction houses to conduct approved auctions in conjunction with the World’s Fair of Money and National Money Show® events.
The twice-annual shows are hosted by the nonprofit American Numismatic Association, which is dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its array of educational and outreach programs.
For more information, call (719) 632-2646 or visit money.org.
Mar 9, 2022 | Announcements, Royal Mint
To celebrate International Women’s Day, The Royal Mint has unveiled a new depiction of Britannia, one of Britain’s oldest and most enduring feminine icons, on a collectable UK coin.
The new design is inspired by Gustav Klimt’s classic 1905 painting ‘The Three ages of Woman’ and features Britannia moving from girlhood to maturity. It is the first time that Britannia has appeared three times on one UK coin, and champions women of all ages as equal. It was created by Italian artist and sculptor, Sandra Deiana and updates a classic theme for modern collectors.
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The Britannia 2022 1oz Silver Brilliant Uncirculated Coin obverse
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The Britannia 2022 1oz Silver Brilliant Uncirculated Coin reverse
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The Britannia 2022 UK 2oz Gold Proof Coin obverse
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The Britannia 2022 UK 2oz Gold Proof Coin
A second design also features in the Britannia range, capturing Britannia’s time-honoured and classical look. Made with pioneering laser technology to incorporate intricate details, this second unique design retains Britannia’s classical appeal, while displaying a modern vision and was developed by Daniel Thorne from The Royal Mint’s Product Design team.
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The Britannia 2022 UK 1oz Silver Proof Coin
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The Britannia 2022 UK 1oz Silver Proof Coin
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The Britannia 2022 UK 2oz Gold Proof Coin obverse
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The Britannia 2022 UK 2oz Gold Proof Coin reverse
Britannia first appeared on UK coins around 2,000 years ago under the rule of Emperor Hadrian. The Romans depicted Britain as a strong female – a symbol that has endured and continues to grace the nation’s coins today on the circulating £2 and commemorative designs.
The Royal Mint has a strong commitment to gender equality, and in 2018 appointed Anne Jessopp as the first female Chief Executive in its 1,100 year history. It has 50-50 representation on its Executive Board, and is one of a number of companies in the UK to have a gender pay gap which is marginally in favour of women.
Britannia remains one of The Royal Mint’s flagship coin ranges, with new designs released each year for collectors. Last year the collection featured the first depiction of Britannia as a woman of colour on a UK coin as part of commitment to reflecting and celebrating Britain’s diversity.
Claire Maclennan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal said: “Britannia has graced Britain’s coins since Roman times, and is one of the most enduring female icons of our nation. On International Women’s Day we are delighted to unveil an original new design which champions women of all ages as equal. This beautiful new design reflects The Royal Mint’s own commitment to diversity and equality, ensuring women can prosper in all areas of our business and see themselves on the nation’s coins.”
Sandra Deiana, Designer of the Britannia 2022 commemorative coin, said: “I particularly love the Britannia theme – it is the most difficult concept I have faced so far and I will always remain connected to it. No one had harmonised three female representations together. I had to find a way to represent the Britannia icon in three different eras, through the three ages of woman.”
The Royal Mint’s 2022 Britannia collection is available in gold Proof, silver Proof and silver Brilliant Uncirculated editions from The Royal Mint’s website: www.royalmint.com/britannia.
