Though we might find it much more convenient not to carry cash these days, there are always some situations where you’ll still need the stuff. When such a moment arises, and you go to collect your change, take a peek at any that look shinier than the rest, as it’s always a buzz to get a newly designed one in your pocket.
Each year, The Royal Mint also create a more limited set that commemorates certain events or landmarks, and this time around, you’ll notice that two of the coins for this year have London landmarks on their faces, which is always a welcome bonus along with the cha-ching. In total, there are five such coins in the works for 2024.
Which London landmarks will be celebrated?
First up is Buckingham Palace, which will be etched onto a £5 coin (yes, a coin to the value of a fiver… mindblowing!). This coin was designed by Henry Gray, and the image of the big ol’ palace in our city centre commemorates the architectural work that went into building the attraction.
On the £2 coin, you’ll also recognise the familiar outlines of the National Gallery, which marks 200 years since its opening. It was designed by Edwina Ellis, and features the writing on the Wilkin’s Building at the gallery, which reads “MAIORVM GLORIA POSTERIS LVMEN EST” (“the glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants”).
Another £2 coin is included in the collection which marks 150 years since the birth of Churchill. Two 50p coins make up the rest of the set, with one highlighting the 200th anniversary of the RNLI, and the other wishing luck to Team GB and ParalympicsGB ahead of the Paris games this summer.
How do I get one of these London-marked coins on the coins?
If you hope to happen upon one of these when you get a handful of change down the off-licence, you’ll likely be disappointed. The Annual Sets don’t tend to go around in circulation and are created in commeration of events. You can purchase a set over at The Royal Mint website and find out more about the coins.