2023 United Kingdom Commemorative Coin Sets

What makes the 2023 Commemorative Coin Set special?

This set celebrates five major milestones in 2023, including His Majesty King Charles III's 75th birthday, the centenary of the Flying Scotsman locomotive, and 75 years of both the Windrush Generation and the NHS. Each coin tells a unique story of British heritage and achievement.

What does "Brilliant Uncirculated" mean?

Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coins are specially produced for collectors with superior striking and finish compared to circulating coins. They have never been used as currency and are carefully handled to preserve their pristine condition.

What are the edge inscriptions on the £2 coins?

The two £2 coins feature meaningful edge inscriptions:

• Flying Scotsman: "LIVE FOR THE JOURNEY" - celebrating the spirit of rail travel
• JRR Tolkien: "NOT ALL THOSE WHO WANDER ARE LOST" - one of Tolkien's most famous quotes from The Lord of the Rings

Who designed these commemorative coins?

Each coin features unique reverse designs by talented artists:

• Dan Thorne - King Charles III 75th Birthday £5
• John Bergdahl - Flying Scotsman £2
• David Lawrence - JRR Tolkien £2
• Valda Jackson - Windrush Generation 50p
• Alice Lediard - NHS 75th Anniversary 50p

All coins feature the obverse portrait of King Charles III by Martin Jennings.

Can these coins be used as legal tender?

Yes, all coins in this set are official UK legal tender at their face values (£5, £2, and 50p). However, due to their commemorative nature and collectible value, they are typically kept in pristine condition rather than spent.

What is the significance of the Windrush Generation coin?

This 50p coin commemorates the 75th anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush arriving at Tilbury Docks in 1948, bringing Caribbean migrants who helped rebuild post-war Britain. It celebrates their vital contribution to British society and the multicultural heritage of the UK.

What is the significance of the NHS coin?

This 50p coin commemorate s the 75th anniversary of the NHS, the world's first national health service. It celebrates the vital contribution of healthcare workers and the importance of universal healthcare in the UK.

What is the significance of the Flying Scotsman coin?

This £2 coin commemorates the centenary of the Flying Scotsman locomotive, the world's first steam-powered express train. It celebrates the engineering achievement and the enduring legacy of rail travel in the UK.

What is the significance of the JRR Tolkien coin?

The Royal Mint's 2023 J.R.R. Tolkien £2 coin was issued to mark 50 years since Tolkien's death, celebrating the writer who helped define modern fantasy while also acknowledging his life as a scholar and philologist. The design features Tolkien's monogram set within Anglo-Saxon-inspired rune styling, a clear nod to the ancient languages and early medieval influences that shaped his imagination. Adding to its appeal, the coin's edge inscription carries the famous line “NOT ALL THOSE WHO WANDER ARE LOST” from The Fellowship of the Ring. Beyond the anniversary, the coin stands out for how its intricate details reflect Tolkien's rare blend of literary brilliance and linguistic obsession, turning a small piece of currency into a compact tribute to his wider intellectual world.

What are the MJ initials on the coins?

Each coin features the definitive coinage portrait of His Majesty The King designed by Martin Jennings signified by his intials "MJ" on the reverse.