Introducing The Royal Mint Bullion Range For 2015

The following is a release from the The Royal Mint

The Royal Mint has announced its 2015 bullion proposition following a year that has seen some notable additions to the organisation's offering, reinforcing its position as a respected supplier in the global bullion marketplace. For 2015, The Royal Mint's flagship Sovereign bullion coins and traditional Britannia bullion coins (including the recently-introduced Britannia fractionals) continue to be offered alongside the more recent addition of the ShÄ"ngxiào Lunar Collection.

The 2015 bullion range will be available from The Royal Mint's trading website www.royalmintbullion.com, which has proved exceptionally popular since its launch in September 2014, and offers customers the opportunity to buy, store and sell The Royal Mint's bullion coins quickly and securely, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Vaultâ„¢, The Royal Mint's on-site storage facility, established in 2012 and guarded by the Ministry of Defence Police, has been welcomed by bullion buyers looking for a highly secure storage option.

Shane Bissett, The Royal Mint's Director of Commemorative Coin, Bullion and Medals said, "This is an exciting time for The Royal Mint, as the latest enhancements to our bullion products and services create an even more compelling choice for the bullion buyer.

"The introduction of Britannia fractional coins and the launch of the http://www.royalmintbullion.com trading website have made bullion coins even more accessible for those looking to access the precious metals market. The VAT-free status of gold coins in the United Kingdom and the fact that all UK coins are capital gains tax free for UK residents continues to appeal."

The Sovereign
The Sovereign, The Royal Mint's flagship gold bullion coin, is available now for 2015, and maintains its reputation as one of the most tightly specified coin in the world, guaranteed to five decimal places by the 1971 Coinage Act and independently verified every year at the Trial of the Pyx.

First struck over 500 years ago in 1489 under the rule of Henry VII, it is one of the oldest coins still produced today, and still bears the instantly recognisable St George and the dragon design by Royal Mint engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. The Sovereign offers unmatched levels of history and symbolism, and as such has become an internationally recognised symbol of unrivalled accuracy, integrity and strength.

The 22 carat gold Sovereign can be purchased now in tubes of 25 coins, or individually in The Royal Mint's new credit card sized sealed protective single packaging.

Britannia
Britannia, the female representation of Britain, has a long history on British coinage. She is the embodiment of the nation she has represented for almost 2,000 years, ever since the Romans invaded the isles and claimed them as the province of Britannia. She first appeared on the Roman coins of Emperor Hadrian circa AD 119 and was revived for the coinage of Charles II in 1672. The purchase of Britannia bullion now offers even greater flexibility with the addition of the new fractional weight coins.

The 2015 Britannia range offers a choice of 999.9 fine gold and 999 fine silver coins. The gold one ounce coins are available to purchase now in tubes of 10 coins or individually in our new credit card sized sealed protective single packaging. Britannia one ounce silver coins will be available in new credit card sized sealed protective package, or in tubes of 25 coins, and finally the gold fractionals: the 2015 dated half-ounce, quarter-ounce and tenth-ounce coins will be available from March 2015.

Lunar ShÄ"ngxiào Collection
At Chinese New Year, gifts and tokens are exchanged, particularly the gift of money in red envelopes, symbolising good wishes for the recipient's health, wealth and prosperity. The Royal Mint's Lunar ShÄ"ngxiào Collection, named to honour the Chinese zodiac, is a celebration of the UK's diverse multi-cultural society, and lends a unique British angle to this ancient custom.

In 2014 the organisation struck the United Kingdom's first Chinese Lunar coins - a United Kingdom first - commemorating the Year of the Horse with a design by British-Chinese designer, Wuon-Gean Ho. For 2015, they are followed by coins bearing Wuon-Gean's design for the Year of the Sheep.

The Royal Mint's lunar coins are struck as tenth-ounce and limited mintage one ounce 999.9 fine gold coins, and one ounce 999 fine silver coins. They are available to buy now in tubes of 10 or 20 coins, dependent on the metal purchased (1oz gold and silver coins only), or individually in new credit card sized sealed protective package.