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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,809 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United Kingdom
17980 Posts |
I visited The Royal Mint Experience yesterday. The only way to see coin production taking place is as part of a guided tour. Here's a partial view of the main Mint building - just another factory:  From the parking lot, signs lead to the 'Experience':  Here's the new extension with the visitor center:  Let's take a closer look at that sheep:  Inside the lobby, a large model of cartoon dog Gromit covered with UK decimal pennies. The eyes are £5 coins:  There's also a Mini covered with old pennies. I spotted at least one Australian one:  |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United Kingdom
17980 Posts |
For most collectors, the most exciting part of the visit is the opportunity to strike your own 2018 Isaac Newton 50p. The sign at the Mint assumes that all numismatists are monoglot Welsh speakers:  No photos are permitted during the tour of the actual Mint, where I saw Hong Kong $5 coins being struck. Once in the exhibition area, our guide showed us models of the three Royal Mints - inside the Tower of London, the Tower Hill building and the present Mint:  There are fascinating displays about coin production:  The brown thing in this picture is the desk used by Pistrucci when he worked as an engraver at the Mint:  Here you can see some of the coins for foreign countries that have been produced by The Royal Mint:  Display about gold and silver bullion (with coins on show):  Some nostalgic posters from early 1971:  The various heraldic designs that have appeared on UK coins:  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United Kingdom
17980 Posts |
There are of course some fantastic coins and medals on display. Isaac Newton, as a former Master of the Mint, features prominently:  Plaster mould and master die for the 1937 penny reverse:  The legendary 1933 penny:  ... and the equally rare Edward VIII gold sovereign:  ... and, finally, my souvenir of the day!  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
Thanks for taking us along on a great trip. It's nice that there is such an extensive tour and a close view of so much.
I might have had to clean the glass after I drooled all over that 1933 penny.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
709 Posts |
If you want a 2017 Isaac Newton 50p, you can pick one up from circulation or in the annual sets. If you want the 2018 version, you have to get it in person at the mint, or ebay. I went in January. Recommend it. Edited by Anaximander
02/18/2018 7:20 pm
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
190 Posts |
Good thread.Thanks for the pictures and glad you enjoyed your day.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10044 Posts |
Thanks for sharing all of this. I doubt I will ever be able to make it across the pond again and make a visit like this.
How much squash could a Sasquatch squash if a Sasquatch would squash squash? Download and read: Grading the graders Costly TPG ineptitude and No FG Kennedy halveshttps://ln5.sync.com/dl/7ca91bdd0/w...i3b-rbj9fir2 |
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
Thanks for posting. Great pics!
I love that souvenir coin.
Must go internet shopping..... some day soon.
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Pillar of the Community
Germany
992 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
945 Posts |
Brilliant post! Well done for sharing.
I am in the UK and I am ashamed to say I have not made the trip yet.
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,809 |
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Posted 02/18/2018 6:12 pm
