THE COPES COINS JOURNAL
Explore our coin collecting archive, with guides to British coin designs, mintages and historical issues. Our current shop specialises in Uncirculated 2018 and 2019 A–Z 10p coins.
Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Updated 10 October 2026. A coin collection can start with one design you like. You do not need an expensive rarity, specialist equipment or a plan to collect everything. A clear theme, a sensible budget...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
An In-depth Exploration of the Top Coin Mints Around the World: From Beautiful Designs to Precise Techniques Introduction Coin mints around the world play a vital role in producing coins that are not only functional...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Compare the 2018 and 2019 circulation mintages, check the year and condition, and find the A–Z 10p coins your collection needs.
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
The 2000 Public Libraries Act 50p has been in circulation for almost 22 years yet it is a commemorative 50 pence coin that you can still find in your change today. With it's unique and...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
In the world of coin collecting, the Royal Mint holds a prestigious position. With a history dating back over a thousand years, the Royal Mint has been responsible for producing some of the most iconic...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Have you found the Tom Kitten 50p - or 'old scary eyes' himself in your change? This is the 2017 Tom Kitten 50p coin and it was issued by the Royal Mint to commemorate the amazing works of Beatrix...
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THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
A series of commemorative 50p coins honouring Beatrix Potter, were released in 2016 by the Royal Mint, to mark the 150th anniversary of the famed children's book author's birth. The fifth of the coins to...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
If you're a collector of Royal Mint 50p coins, you will know the 1998 EU 50p coin as one of the most popular commemorative coins. This beautiful piece has been labelled as the EU Stars...
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THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
The 1998 NHS 50p coin is a 50p coin celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948. In fact, the NHS was one of the first universal health...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Isambard Kingdom Brunel was an English mechanical and civil engineer whose designs revolutionised public transport and modern engineering. He is perhaps best remembered for the network of tunnels, bridges and viaducts constructed for the Great...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Are you a fan of Beatrix Potter's timeless tales and a coin collector? If so, you're in for a treat! The Beatrix Potter 50p Portrait Coin is a must-have for any enthusiast. This unique coin...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Do you love finding unique coins like the 2016 Mrs Tiggywinkle 50p? Then this blog is for you! Here we will take a closer look at this popular coin and some of the other great...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Paddington Bear can be considered as an icon across all generations and is one of Britain's most loveable fictional characters. With his charm and mischievous antics, he has been loved by children and adults alike....
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
The 2019 Paddington at St. Paul's Cathedral 50p coin is a remarkable addition to any coin collection. In celebrating the iconic character Paddington Bear and his adventures at St. Paul's Cathedral, the Royal Mint released...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
A good coin holder does two jobs: it protects the surfaces and lets you enjoy the design without repeatedly touching it. For an A–Z 10p collection, choose storage made for coins, keep the two years...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Let's take a look at the 1994 D-Day Landings 50p in detail, looking at it's history, the design of the coin and how much it is worth in today's market. Intriguing, rare, and a little...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
The 2003 DNA £2 coin, or the double helix £2 coin, is very distinctive and stands out from the other coins in circulation. So, how much is it worth and how likely are you to...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
There are few people as iconic as Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The great engineer was responsible for some of the most impressive feats of Victorian engineering, including the Thames Tunnel, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and, of...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
The 2014 Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23rd to August 3rd 2014. A total of 17 different sports featured in the Games over 11 days and this 50p commemorative coin was...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
A series of commemorative 50p coins honouring Beatrix Potter, were released in 2016 by the Royal Mint, to mark the 150th anniversary of the famed children's book author's birth. The first of the coins to...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Discover the special edition 50p Coin celebrating Beatrix Potter's iconic character Benjamin Bunny. The Tale of Benjamin Bunny was published in September 1904, as the sequel to ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’ where Benjamin teams...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Uncover the Fascinating Story of the 2017 Isaac Newton 50p Coin In 2017, to celebrate Isaac Newton’s 375th birthday, the Royal Mint issued a new commemorative 50p coin which was the first coin to be released as...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Whether you are a fan of Beatrix Potter's timeless tales or an avid coin collector, the 2017 Tale of Peter Rabbit 50p coin is a must-have for any enthusiast. Have you found this coin in...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
The 2019 Paddington at the Tower 50p coin is a remarkable addition to any coin collection. This commemorative coin celebrates the iconic character Paddington Bear and his adventures at the Tower of London. It is...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Turn over an A–Z 10p coin and the letter gives way to a familiar face: Queen Elizabeth II. The portrait on the 2018 and 2019 alphabet coins was designed by Jody Clark. It is the...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
Many thought it could never be done, running a mile under 4 minutes, but for one medical student from Harrow, the impossible feat was achieved in 1954, earning him a place in British history and...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
In 2006, The Royal Mint released two commemorative 50p coins both to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the institution of the Victoria Cross. One being the Victoria Cross Award (medal) 50p and the other the...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
The story behind the 2018 Paddington at the Station 50p coin In 2018, the Royal Mint issued the first of four commemorative coins to celebrate the iconic 60th anniversary of Paddington Bear’s first appearance in...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
All That Glitters is Gold and...Coins Hey there! Let's talk about The Royal Mint through the ages Have you ever wondered about the history of coins and the Royal Mint? Well, get ready to dive...
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Collector archive
THE COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL
The silver colour of a 10p does not mean it is made of silver. The standard 2018 and 2019 A–Z 10p coins are nickel-plated steel: a steel core with a nickel outer layer. That is...
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