10 October 2022
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The Royal Mint have issued a new collectable 50p to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the BBC, with the coin featuring a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, despite a new coin portrait of King Charles III recently being unveiled.
The new 50p coin bears Her Late Majesty The Queen’s effigy on the obverse (heads) side of the coin due to striking prior to the passing of Queen Elizabeth, despite a new portrait of King Charles III being revealed before the coin's release.
The inclusion of the portrait on a coin issued after the Queen's death is unusual and means demand for the coin is likely to be high.
The Royal Mint explained why the QE2 portrait was used:
'The 100 Years of BBC coin will feature the existing effigy people will be familiar with, in the interest of sustainability. The Royal Mint has purposefully decided not to re-strike coins that had already been produced with her Late Majesty’s effigy, to minimise waste or unnecessary environmental impact.'
In celebration of the launch, the coin was photographed alongside the AXBT Microphone which features in collection of “100 Objects that made the BBC” at Broadcasting House in London.
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BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: “The BBC is honoured that The Royal Mint are marking our centenary with this special 50p coin. Its design perfectly captures the BBC’s huge reach and impact over 100 years as the world’s leading public service broadcaster.”
Made at the home of precious metals, the collectable coins are minted to the highest standard in gold, silver and brilliant uncirculated and are available from £11 at The Royal Mint website.
Rebecca Morgan, The Royal Mint’s Director of Collector Services, said:
“Like The Royal Mint, the BBC is an original British maker who has put innovation at the forefront of its evolution. Coins are miniature pieces of art which tell the stories of our nation and we are delighted to be working with Britain’s leading national broadcaster to create a special 50p in recognition of their 100 Years.
“An ever-present British institution for most people’s lives, the BBC has had a marked influence on our culture and broadcast some of the most extraordinary moments in British history. On the reverse side, the commemorative design honours BBC’s world-wide influence with a depiction of the earth which has been frosted combining traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology to create contrasting textures.
"With the obverse side of the coin featuring the effigy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, we do anticipate a high demand for these coins from collectors.”
