Uncover Hidden Treasures: A Journey into the World of Commemorative Coins

Whether you are just embarking on this new and exciting journey into the world of commemorative coins, or are already an avid coin collector, there is tonnes of information and advice out there to help you with everything you need to know about collectable coins.

Whilst some numismatists prefer to collect coins based on the metal or denomination alone, commemorative coins can be the best way to enhance your collecting game, especially if your interests lie in history or royalty, as they signify historic moments.

If you want to expand your knowledge of commemorative coins, stick with us as here we have the answers to the most common questions in the numismatic world…

What makes a commemorative coin?

Having been issued since 1935 in the United Kingdom, a commemorative coin simply commemorates significant moments or events in history. Although back then they were only used to mark certain events which held great interest, these days their popularity has surged, and more and more events are being marked with commemorative coins.

Commemorative coins are made from precious metals such as silver, gold or platinum. Typically, they are non-circulating coins but are still legal tender. Commemorative coins are not intended for the use of everyday monetary transactions, but instead offer a collectible element.

Coins of commemorative value are incredibly desirable and sought-after, and usually the significance of the event that they commemorate makes them very desirable on the secondary market. Because of this, and coupled with the fact that they typically have low mintage limitations, they are favoured by avid collectors worldwide. Crowns, five pound coins and two pound coins are the most popular denominations used for commemorative issues.

What is the difference between coins and commemorative coins?

It is easy to get confused between circulating coins and commemorative coins. Typically, you can collect both depending on your preferences. However, commemorative coins are usually favoured more so due to their limitations and the event in which they have been produced for.

Circulating coins are legal tender with a specific face value, and are usually issued by a state or country. They will feature a name or a symbol associated with the issuing authority. For example, with UK coins they feature the portrait of the reigning monarch. Circulating coins can be used to pay for goods at any time without problems. Currently in the UK there are approximately 29 billion coins in circulation.

Commemorative coins are different in that they contain a special motif and are only issued on a single occasion, usually to celebrate a certain anniversary or event. These coins are hardly ever found in circulation and are more attractive to numismatists who want to obtain coins which are worth more than their face value. As collectable coins, their production process is much more complex than coins in circulation, which means they have smaller mintage limitations.

Is a commemorative coin a real coin?

To answer this question, yes, a commemorative coin is a real coin.

Although these coins are legal tender, they are not minted for circulation, therefore, you would never find them among the loose change in your pocket.

You will find that the categories in which commemorative coins are typically put into will cross over. However, there are generally three main categories. Firstly, you have the everyday currency, which are common circulating coins such as the 50p and two pound coins. Next, you have the non-circulating legal tender coins, such as crowns or 25p coins. Finally, you have tokens or souvenirs which are not legal tender, but are struck by private mints and usually made up of precious metals.

The reason commemorative coins are so popular in the world of numismatics is that they are usually only minted once, so this coupled with the uniqueness of the designs drastically increases their demand.