2008 Emblems of Britain Gold Proof Set

The British Royal Mint has been busy organizing a major design change to their legal tender coins. This will be reflected in the 2008 Emblems of Britain Gold Proof Set which will be available in November as part of their prelaunch

As the Mint states, "For the first time since decimalization the legal tender coins of the United Kingdom will undergo a major design change. In the late spring of 2008 the nation will see new designs on the coinage, from the 1p to the £1, reflecting a more modern twenty-first century Britain."

"To mark this watershed in numismatic history, and to commemorate the reverse designs that have served Britain well for almost 40 years, the Royal Mint is producing a limited-edition gold Proof collection. This contains seven coins struck in 22 carat gold to Proof quality"

"The Gold Collection comprises seven coins bearing the definitive reverse designs, the portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS on their obverse, and are all dated 2008. Each coin is struck in 22 carat gold to Proof quality. For such a magnificent collection, the Royal Mint has commissioned high-quality hand-crafted oak veneer cases designed exclusively to house the gold Proof coins. An informative booklet featuring a potted history of the iconic designs completes the presentation. Incorporated into each booklet is an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Deputy Master of the Royal Mint."

Decimalization was introduced into Britain just 40 years ago. A lot of work went into the design and the production of the coins at that time. In such a change much thought has to go into the design of the new coins so they can be distinguished, not only from each other, but from the existing coins of the day.

For the Portrait of the Queen Arnold Machin RA had been approved and for the reverse designs a competition was set up. Over 80 artists took part with 900 designs and the series by Christopher Ironside was eventually approved and adopted.

All the coins are dated 2008 and there is a limited issue of only 2008 coins which will be available from 19th November 2007

The Code is UKL8GPS and the price set at £2195.00

The 2008 Emblems of Britain Gold Proof Set is set to be a valuable coin set much sought after by coin enthusiasts over the coming years.