Since decimalization, the coins of the United Kingdom for the first time will feature new designs. The nation will be able to see the major change in the design of the legal tender coins in the late spring of 2008. New designs will be included on coins with denominations from 1 pence to 1 pound. These will feature a more contemporaneous Britain, the one of the 21^st century.

To commemorate this break point in the history of numismatics, as well as to mark coins' reverse designs that were found on British coins for about 40 years, the Royal Mint will issue a limited-edition gold Proof collection.

The collection of 2008 dated coins, meant to commemorate Britain's new 2008 coin designs, includes 7 coins featuring the definitive reverse designs and on their obverse having the portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.

The seven coins are made in 22 carat gold to Proof quality. In order to create such an extremely fine collection, the Royal Mint commissioned the creation of hand-crafted oak veneer cases which will serve as holders of the gold Proof coins.

The presentation of the gold Proof coins if completed with a booklet that includes information on the history of the popular designs. Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Deputy Master of the Royal Mint is included in every booklet. Each certificated hold its own personal number.

Historical Highlight

Forty years ago it was quite uneasy to issue new series of coins. Such tasks as settling coin dimensions, design development and production were enormously difficult for the Royal Mint. These coins needed to be distinguishable from each other by both sight and touch; in addition they had to be produced in such a way so people would not confuse them with circulating coins of the pre-decimal system.

Regarding the design - the new portrait of Queen by Arnold Machin RA had already been developed and approved. In November 1966 a competition was announced for the design of the reverse. There were more than 80 artists who wished to participate in the competition. Among about 900 designs, a series by Christopher Ironside was the one approved.