New Release: 2026 Royal Mint Annual Sets
New Release: 2026 Royal Mint Annual Sets
The highly anticipated 2026 Annual Sets brings together five commemorative coins celebrating some of the most culturally significant people, events and institutions in British history, including Queen Elizabeth II, HMS Beagle, ZSL, the Grand Prix Centenary and The King's Trust.
The 2026 United Kingdom Commemorative Coin Sets celebrate significant milestones in British history, royal heritage, scientific achievement, and charitable institutions. This prestigious set features five commemorative coins honoring:
Each coin features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III and is struck to The Royal Mint's highest standards.
Reverse
Obverse
| Alloy | Cupro-Nickel |
| Weight | 28.28 g |
| Diameter | 38.61 mm |
| Edge | Milled |
| Edge Inscription | None |
| Reverse Designer | Timothy Noad |
| Obverse Designer | Martin Jennings |
Reverse
Obverse
| Alloy | Inner: Cupro-nickel / Outer: Nickel-brass |
| Weight | 12.00 g |
| Diameter | 28.40 mm |
| Edge | Fine milled incuse edge lettering |
| Edge Inscription | · THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE |
| Reverse Designer | William Webb |
| Obverse Designer | Martin Jennings |
Reverse
Obverse
| Alloy | Inner: Cupro-nickel / Outer: Nickel-brass |
| Weight | 12.00 g |
| Diameter | 28.40 mm |
| Edge | Fine milled incuse edge lettering |
| Edge Inscription | · RESTORING WILDLIFE TOGETHER |
| Reverse Designer | Jonathan Olliffe |
| Obverse Designer | Martin Jennings |
Reverse
Obverse
| Alloy | Cupro-Nickel |
| Weight | 8.00 g |
| Diameter | 27.30 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Reverse Designer | Interstate |
| Obverse Designer | Martin Jennings |
Reverse
Obverse
| Alloy | Cupro-Nickel |
| Weight | 8.00 g |
| Diameter | 27.30 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Reverse Designer | Jessica Gregorio |
| Obverse Designer | Martin Jennings |
Explore the 2026 United Kingdom Coin Sets, featuring a collection of coins that commemorate significant milestones and institutions in British history.
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Get ready, collectors and enthusiasts! The Royal Mint has proudly lifted the veil on its highly anticipated 2026 coin designs, a breathtaking array of numismatic artistry celebrating pivotal moments in British history, culture, and innovation. From royal legacies to groundbreaking conservation efforts and the thrill of motorsport, this collection promises something truly special for every admirer of the UK's rich tapestry.
Each coin is a miniature masterpiece, meticulously crafted to honor significant anniversaries and figures that have shaped our shared story. Prepare to be captivated by these enduring symbols of national pride, available to enrich your collection from January 2nd!
Leading this magnificent collection is a commemorative £5 coin, a poignant and majestic tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been her 100th birth anniversary. Born on April 21, 1926, Queen Elizabeth II remains an unparalleled figure in British coinage history, having graced more UK coins than any other monarch.
This exquisite design features her distinctive cypher alongside the iconic St Edward's Crown, elegantly framed by foliage inspired by the ironwork of St George's Chapel, her final resting place. Encircling this profound imagery are one hundred beads, symbolizing each year since her birth, and the inscription "Exaltabitur in gloria" - "She will be exalted in glory." This coin is not merely a collector's item; it's a timeless homage to a reign defined by unwavering duty and grace.
Nature lovers and conservation advocates will rejoice at the stunning £2 coin marking 200 years of the Zoological Society London (ZSL). Since its founding in 1826 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, ZSL has been at the forefront of "the advancement of zoological science," tirelessly working to help people and wildlife thrive together across 70 countries.
This beautifully designed coin encapsulates ZSL's vital mission, featuring three iconic species – the Sumatran tiger, the Socorro dove, and the partula snail – each representing the diverse creatures ZSL strives to protect. The empowering inscription "Restoring wildlife together" serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility towards the planet's precious biodiversity. A true testament to two centuries of dedicated conservation!
Find out more about the ZSL at their official website.
Embark on a journey through history with the £2 coin commemorating the 200th anniversary of HMS Beagle's first commission. Launched in 1820 and refitted as a surveying vessel in 1826, the Beagle became synonymous with exploration and scientific discovery, most notably carrying the naturalist Charles Darwin on his groundbreaking voyage.
The coin's design majestically depicts the ship itself, evoking the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of knowledge. Its edge inscription, "The voyage of the Beagle," serves as a constant reminder of the vessel that played an instrumental role in shaping our understanding of the natural world. This coin is a must-have for historians, scientists, and anyone inspired by the age of exploration.
Learn more at the National Maritime Museum
Motor racing enthusiasts, start your engines! The Royal Mint celebrates a century of high-octane excitement with a dynamic British Grand Prix 50p Coin dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Grand Prix in Britain. This coin perfectly captures the evolution of speed and engineering prowess that defines this iconic event.
The design brilliantly showcases the progression of racing technology, featuring a historic racing car from the early days alongside a cutting-edge 2026 Formula 1 car. It's a powerful visual narrative of innovation, adrenaline, and the enduring legacy of British motorsport. This piece is a fitting tribute to a sport that continues to captivate millions worldwide.
Learn more about Grand Prix racing History at the Grand Prix Trust website.
Completing this remarkable collection is a heartfelt 50p coin celebrating 50 years of The King's Trust (formerly The Prince's Trust). Born from King Charles III's vision in 1976, this charity has become a beacon of hope, supporting over 1.2 million young people across the UK to build confidence, develop skills, and secure their futures.
Designed by former trust beneficiary Jessica Gregorio, the coin's reverse is a tapestry of hope and aspiration. A flowing stream symbolizes the Royal Navy origins, a radiant sun represents optimism and the light the Trust brings, while clouds denote dreams and ambitions. This coin is more than metal; it's a symbol of transformation, celebrating the profound impact of supporting young lives.
Learn more at the King's Trust website.
In a pioneering move towards a greener future, The Royal Mint is proud to announce that 52 gold commemorative versions of the 2026 collection have been produced using recycled gold. In collaboration with Sempsa, this precious metal has been ethically sourced from old jewellery and coins, marking a significant step in the Mint's commitment to sustainability.
This initiative builds upon the Mint's 2024 reformation metals facility in South Wales, where gold is recovered from end-of-life technology. The Royal Mint aims to produce all gold commemorative coins from recycled gold by the end of 2026, demonstrating a powerful commitment to preserving finite resources and fostering a circular economy. This collection isn't just about history; it's about shaping a responsible future.
These extraordinary 2026 commemorative sets will be available in a range of precious metal and base proof finishes, catering to every collector's preference. These treasures can be acquired directly from The Royal Mint's website starting from 2nd January 2026, with prices beginning at £39.50. For the ultimate collector, a limited edition 22 carat gold coin set is available, priced at £14,500.
Each individual coin, with the exception of The King's Trust 50p (available exclusively as part of the annual set), will be released throughout 2026. Please note, these special commemorative coins are available for purchase only and will not enter general circulation, making them truly exclusive additions to any collection.
Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of British history and celebrate the remarkable anniversaries of 2026!
The 2026 set celebrates major milestone anniversaries, including the life of Queen Elizabeth II, the bicentenary of the HMS Beagle and ZSL, and the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust. It also includes the first Grand Prix centenary commemorative 50p coin.
The standard Brilliant Uncirculated set includes 5 commemorative coins: one £5 coin, two £2 coins, and two 50p coins. The complete 13-coin annual set also includes the 8 definitive coins from 2026.
The 2026 ZSL £2 coin celebrates 200 years of the Zoological Society of London, the world's oldest scientific zoo, founded in 1826. The official proclamation describes the design as featuring a range of collectible imagery, including a dove, a snail, and a tiger.
Reverse Inscription: '1826 · ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON · 2026'
Edge Inscription: '· RESTORING WILDLIFE TOGETHER'
You can learn more about their conservation efforts at the official ZSL website.
The reverse designs for the 2026 set are created by various artists. Specific designer names for each theme will be confirmed once The Royal Mint officially announces the full details of the range.
The edge inscriptions for the 2026 £2 coins (HMS Beagle and ZSL) will be confirmed upon their official release. These inscriptions typically provide a thematic connection to the coin's subject.
Yes, all coins in this set are official UK legal tender at their face values. However, they are intended for collectors and usually trade at a premium.
The 2026 £5 coin is a poignant tribute celebrating the life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, serving as a lasting numismatic memorial to her decades of service.
The 2026 50p marks 100 years since the first Grand Prix in Britain (1926), celebrating a century of speed and engineering excellence in Formula 1 racing.
Historical Note: This coin was originally announced as the "BRITISH GRAND PRIX" in
the Royal Proclamation of 15th October 2025. However, this was later amended to "GRAND PRIX
CENTENARY" via a subsequent proclamation.
Numismatic Information Source: "Our said Proclamation of the fifteenth day of October 2025, for
'BRITISH GRAND PRIX' there shall be substituted 'GRAND PRIX CENTENARY'."
— The London Gazette
(Notice 5008538).
⚠️ Rare Variation Alert
If any coins bearing the original "BRITISH GRAND PRIX" design were minted, they would be considered incredibly rare and valuable, as they were not intended for release. While highly unlikely for NIFC (Not In For Circulation) sets, collectors should always check!
Each coin features the official coinage portrait of HM King Charles III, designed by sculptor Martin Jennings (MJ).
UK Coins is a comprehensive British numismatic reference. We specialize in documenting annual coin sets, commemorative issues, and definitive coins with precise specifications sourced directly from The Royal Mint.