2019-01-15 Tue

It was officially announced on 1st January that the Royal Mint is going to release commemorative circulating coins celebrating Sherlock Holmes, Samuel Pepys, and Queen Victoria in 2019. Apart from that, the Mint would also be releasing two more coins to celebrate the anniversary of Wedgwood and D-Day. Along with circulating coins, the mint would also be issuing different Boolean and collector versions of the same coins. The obverse side of all the coins would depict the common portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark.

A 50-penny coin is going to feature the famous fictional character and detective, Sherlock Holmes. The coin pays tribute to the author of this gripping and thrilling novel-series, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, on his 160th birth anniversary. The series explores tales of Sherlock Homes solving suspense-filled crime mysteries in London. These stories have lived on for over a decade now and continue to amaze readers all over the world. The coin depicts a portrait of Sherlock Homes in his typical attire, with titles of Sherlock Homes Novels in the background.

A special £2 coin will be released to celebrate the 260th anniversary of the foundation of Wedgwood, a company which excels in the production of pottery. Josiah Wedgwood was responsible for transforming the traditional industries to manufacture affordable luxury products. The reverse side of the coin depicts a jug with dates 1759–2019.

£2 coin will be released to honour Samuel Pepys for wonderfully documenting some of the most historic events of Britain in his diary. The coin is being issued 350 years after Pepys wrote his final observations in his diary. Events such as the Great Fire of London and the Plague have been recorded in his diary. The coin’s reverse side depicts a hand holding a quill pen, writing something on an old book.

Another £2 coin will be released to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. During this historic military operation, the Allied forces showed exemplary courage to land on the beaches of northern France and attack the enemies. Their fearless efforts helped them gain victory in World War II. The reverse side of this coin features a map depicting the attack by the allied forces.

A new £5 coin will be released to celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of Queen Victoria. The coin features inventions and moments during her reign, like a Penny Farthing bicycle, the telephone, steam travel etc.

Various sets containing collector versions of the five coins are now available for purchase. Annual Sets with standard-version coins are also available. Sets containing coins with standard circulating designs and the commemorative designs are also being offered. The annual Brilliant Uncirculated definitive coin set has no mintage limit and can be bought for £30. 125 five-coin Proof gold sets are being offered for a price of £5,250 per set.

Image Courtesy: The Royal Mint