FANS of the Harry Potter franchise can add to their collection with a new set of coins featuring the famous train, Hogwarts Express. The 50 pence (RM2) coin has been unveiled as part of a new collection to commemorate 25 years since the first novel in the hugely popular seven-part Harry Potter series was published.
The collection will also mark the Royal Mint’s final collectable of the year. The Hogwarts Express collectable coin is also the final individual coin to have Queen Elizabeth II's portrait appear on the obverse (heads) side of the coin. Each coin in the collection features Harry Potter, the Hogwarts Express, Professor Dumbledore and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on their own individual coin.
The Royal Mint's Harry Potter collection will be one of a small number that will see a change of portrait during the series. The first two coins in the collection will feature the portrait of the late monarch, and the final two coins will feature the official portrait of King Charles III. A change of portrait during a series is a rare occasion, making these sets of coins a highly prized collectible – even more so than they normally would.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint said, "following a popular response to the first coin in The Royal Mint's Harry Potter collection, we are delighted to launch the next coin in the series and the final individual collectable of the year, featuring The Hogwarts Express. The spellbinding Hogwarts Express coin will also be the last individual 1oz to bear Queen Elizabeth II portrait before His Majesty the King's official coin portrait will appear on the final two coins in the collection.
"For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II's portrait has appeared on every official UK coin struck by The Royal Mint. This collection of coins serves as a permanent reminder of the fascinating transition from Britain's longest reigning monarch to His Majesty the King's first appearance on UK coins."
Mandy Archer, Editorial Director at Bloomsbury Children's Books said, "We are delighted to see the latest coin in The Royal Mint's Harry Potter collection. Jim Kay's evocation of the Hogwarts Express instantly whisks you away to platform nine and three-quarters – the very start of Harry's magical journey. It's a joy to see his stunning book illustration so skillfully and beautifully rendered on a new silver anniversary coin."
Combining traditional minting techniques with technology, The Royal Mint's craftspeople have faithfully reproduced Jim Kay's illustrations in colour for the first time on official UK coins.
Many of the coins in the range also feature an enchanting 'latent feature' which rotates in the light to reveal a lightning bolt and the number '25' to mark the anniversary year. An advanced picosecond laser was used by The Royal Mint to imprint the intricate design onto coin making tools to ensure accuracy, and create an additional, special effect to further enhance the coin's design. – The Vibes, December 5, 2022
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