For hundreds of years, The Royal Mint was based primarily in London. In 1969, this changed when decimalisation and greater demand required greater space.
The need to rebuild The Royal Mint had been recognised in the 1950s, but it was the task of striking hundreds of millions of coins in readiness for decimalisation in 1971, while at the same time not neglecting overseas customers, which brought matters to a head. In 1967, it was announced that a new Royal Mint would be built at Llantrisant, some 10 miles from Cardiff, thereby according with government policy of transferring industry from the capital to development areas. Work began on the site almost at once and the first phase was opened by Her Majesty The Queen on 17 December 1968.
Once the initial requirement for decimal coins had been satisfied, production was progressively transferred from Tower Hill to Llantrisant. Melting, rolling and blanking facilities were completed and commissioned in 1975 and with the new mint capable of the full range of minting activity, the last coin – a gold Sovereign – was struck in London in November of that year. The Tower Hill buildings were finally relinquished in 1980.
The new mint, located near Wales’ capital city of Cardiff, occupies an area of more than 30 acres. Its buildings house some of the most advanced coining machinery in the world and it has a larger capacity than any other mint in Western Europe.
In 1968 The Royal Mint began to move its operations from Tower Hill in the City of London to Llantrisant, and has operated on a single site in Llantrisant since 1980.
The Royal Mint Experience, The Royal Mint's impressive visitor centre located in Llantrisant, South Wales treats visitors to a unique insight into Britain's oldest manufacturing organisation.
2019 saw the release of the OFFICIAL 50 Years of the 50p Anniversary Coin. Issued to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the world's first seven-sided coin, this UK 50p is a seriously nostalgic nod to one of Britain's favourite ever coins — with a clever twist.
A look at recent sales shows circulated 1997 50ps selling for between £2.00 and £3.00 over the last few months, some including postage, others not. The smaller-size 1997 coins, listed as 'uncirculated' or 'BU', sell for £10.00 to £15.00 on average.
The first Christian settlement in what we now know as the old town of Llantrisant was founded by monks from Llantwit Major in the 6th Century. The earliest known references to Llantrisant by name occur in 1246, and in 1346 the Townsmen of Llantrisant were recognised for their great valour at the Battle of Crecy.
Expansion was not really possible at Tower Hill and it was decided to find a new location outside London. By January 1967 more than 20 sites had been considered, to be reduced to a short list of seven. On this short list was Llantrisant in South Wales, just a few miles from Cardiff.
Circulated coins may be cheaper, but they are likely not in mint condition and have lost some value over time. Uncirculated coins are more valuable since they retain their original condition. While they cost more, their condition means they will likely retain or increase in value.
The Royal Mint, with its longstanding history and expertise in precious metals, provides a secure and reliable platform for selling your gold as well as other precious metals.
Visitors to The Royal Mint Experience, The Royal Mint's impressive visitor centre located in Llantrisant, South Wales are in for a treat. The large and well-stocked gift shop offers an ever-changing range of Royal Mint coins and merchandise.
The rarest is the Kew's Garden 50p, which was designed to mark the 250th anniversary of the gardens in 2009. Only 210,000 coins were ever minted with this design.
According to retailer Downies Collectables — which recently sold one of the rare coins for $14,750 — the 50c coin minted in 1988 with the standard coat of arms on its tail side instead of the special Bicentenary image is “excessively rare” and “eminently historic”.
The famous 50p coin, Kew Gardens, sells for a few hundred pounds. Other rare 50p coins go for less impressive numbers, from a couple of pounds up to 20–30 pounds. There's a very rare 50p coin that can sell for thousands of pounds, but you're not likely to come across it. Keep reading to find out which coin it is.
As well as its rare mintage, there is another catch that makes this coin so rare. According to The Mirror, the EC 50p was stamped on an older design of the 50p coin that was taken out of circulation in 1997- so you won't find one in your spare change.
In 1997, it was the Fifty Pence that got a new design. From the previous diameter of 30.00 millimetres and weight of 13.50 grams, the new size had a diameter of 27.30 millimetres and weighed 8.00 grams. It maintained the same shape, and retained its title as the world's first seven sided coin.
The Royal Mint's regular auctions provide a great opportunity to offer your coins to a large buying audience. Selling in a Royal Mint auction can help make sure you get a fair price for your coins while being confident they are going to a good new home.
In 1968, the Royal Mint moved from London to Llantrisant in Wales. In 1971, the UK's currency changed to 100 pennies in a pound on 'Decimal Day' - this involved years of planning and a public information campaign!
The original London mint was established in 886 AD and operated within the Tower of London for approximately 800 years, before moving to what is now called Royal Mint Court where it remained until the 1960s.
A green-field site, more than 30 acres in size, was identified in Llantrisant, South Wales, and the new mint was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in December 1968.
Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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