The Lion and The Eagle 2026 UK 1oz Silver Proof Coin

The 2026 Lion and the Eagle Collection

The 2026 Lion and the Eagle collection by The Royal Mint celebrates the "Special Relationship" between the United Kingdom and the United States. This unique collaboration features a fresh design by renowned American artist Beth Zaiken, harmonizing two iconic national emblems, the British Lion and the American Eagle, into a single, elegant masterpiece of numismatic art.

A Trans-Atlantic Masterpiece: The 2026 Lion and the Eagle Range

History and artistry converge in the latest release from the [The Lion and The Eagle Collection](https://www.royalmint.com/shop/limited-editions/the-lion-and-eagle/). This series commemorates the enduring diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the UK and the US. For the 2026 edition, the Royal Mint’s Product Design Team collaborated with leading US artist Beth Zaiken to create a reverse design that depicts the British Lion and the American Eagle joined in a posture of mutual respect and harmony.

Distinguishing Proof vs. Bullion

When exploring this range, it is essential to distinguish between the two primary strike standards offered:

• Proof Commemorative Coins: These are the highest quality coins produced by The Royal Mint. They are struck multiple times using specially polished dies to create a sharp, frosted design against a mirror-like background. These coins are issued in strictly limited mintages and include premium packaging that explores the story behind the design.
• Bullion Coins: Designed primarily as an investment in precious metals, bullion coins are struck to a high standard but do not feature the intensive hand-finished Proof surface. They are typically sold in larger volumes with prices fluctuating based on the live market value of gold or silver.

Product Range and Specifications

The 2026 range includes various weights and metals to suit both the dedicated collector and the precious metal investor.

Technical Specifications: 2026 Lion and the Eagle Proof Collection

The following table provides a detailed comparison of the physical attributes and mintage limits for the five Proof editions in this series. Each coin is struck to the highest Proof standard, ensuring the finest level of detail for Beth Zaiken's collaborative design.

Technical Specifications: 2026 Lion and the Eagle Proof Collection

The following table provides a detailed comparison of the physical attributes and mintage limits for the five Proof editions in this series. Each coin is struck to the highest Proof standard, ensuring the finest level of detail for Beth Zaiken's collaborative design.

Technical Specifications: 2026 Lion and the Eagle Bullion Collection

While the Proof collection is designed for limited-edition collecting, the Bullion range is tailored for those looking to invest in precious metals. These coins feature the same stunning Beth Zaiken design but are struck to a high bullion standard. Their pricing is dynamic, moving in real-time with the global market price of gold and silver.

The Story Behind the Design

The 2026 Lion and the Eagle edition is more than just a coin; it is a historical document in metal. The collaboration between the Royal Mint and Beth Zaiken marks a rare instance where a leading US artist has been invited to interpret British coinage.

"The design depicts the British lion and the American eagle not as rivals, but as guardians of a shared legacy."

The packaging for the Proof editions delves into this "Special Relationship," exploring how these two national emblems have evolved from symbols of empire and revolution into icons of a trusted modern partnership. Collectors will find insights into the creative process, from Zaiken's initial sketches to the final hand-polished dies used at the mint.

Frequently Asked Questions