A dotted trail, a small ship and a large X make this one of the alphabet's more playful designs. X Marks the Spot is a natural fit for anyone who enjoys the search as much as the collection.
The appeal of a treasure map
Treasure stories make an X the place to head for. This 10p uses that familiar map imagery, with details to discover around the letter. It is a fun choice for an explorer at heart, or a small gift for someone starting an alphabet collection.
The Royal Mint connection
There is a more specific story behind X. For the Great British Coin Hunt, The Royal Mint identified its visitor attraction, The Royal Mint Experience, as the spot to find.
That connection gives the coin a place within the hunt itself, beyond its pirate-map theme. It is especially fitting for a collector interested in where coins are made.
Choose your X
Both dated issues carry the design. Circulation mintage was 220,000 for 2018 and 84,000 for 2019.
Choose 2018 for the first alphabet, 2019 for the second, or add both versions. The date is on the portrait side. The figures above cover circulation issues, not all collector coins; our mintage guide explains the difference.
Keep the hunt going
The Q: Queuing guide looks at another distinctly British subject and its circulation figures. If your alphabet is nearly finished, Z: Zebra Crossing could be your next stop. Pick the letters you are missing, or begin with the designs that catch your eye.
Choose your 2018 X Marks the Spot 10p or 2019 X Marks the Spot 10p. Our X coins from both years are in Uncirculated condition.
X 10p coin facts and issue history
Recognise the design: Coastal ship scene with X. Both dates use this reverse; read the year on the Queen's portrait side.
- Denomination and metal
- 10p, nickel-plated steel
- Size and weight
- 24.5 mm, 6.5 g
- Edge
- Grained
- Design attribution
- The Royal Mint Team (reverse); Jody Clark (obverse)
These specifications are recorded in The Royal Mint's X issue archive. The official design proclamation describes the motif and edge.
Circulation mintage: 220,000 for 2018 X and 84,000 for 2019 X. These low circulation figures explain the rarity of these dated coins in change. They exclude collector editions and do not count the Uncirculated coins available today.
The alphabet series launched in March 2018. The 2019-dated circulation rollout began in February 2019, according to the original programme FAQ. For bags, cards and albums, see our packaging comparison.
Primary records checked 11 October 2026.