Why Pay More For a 50p, £2 or £5 Coin?
One question we're often asked is why some coins are worth more than their face value. The answer lies in the fact that The Royal Mint strikes two types of these coins: those released into general circulation, and those specially minted to commemorate significant people, events, and milestones in British history and culture.
Commemorative Coins
Commemorative coins cost more than circulating coins for several reasons: their metal composition, quality of finish, exclusivity, presentation and high standard of British craftsmanship. Let's explore these factors in more detail.
Pictured is the coin celebrating Pink Floyd, part of our Music Legends Collection.
Metal and Quality of Finish
Commemorative coins are available in a range of editions, including Gold Proof, Silver Proof, Piedfort, Bullion and Brilliant Uncirculated (discover what these terms mean here). Unlike circulating coins, these editions often contain precious metals which significantly enhance their value and appeal to collectors. Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated coins also have a higher quality of finish. They are struck more times than circulating coins and individually inspected by hand. Pictured is the coin celebrating 200 years of the Zoological Society of London.
Presentation
Commemorative coins are offered in a variety of presentation options—from informative booklets detailing the coin’s significance to specially designed acrylic blocks and bespoke cases.
Commemorative coins are available in a range of editions, including Gold Proof, Silver Proof, Piedfort, Bullion, and Brilliant Uncirculated. Unlike circulating coins, these editions often contain precious metals, which significantly enhance their value and appeal to collectors. Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated coins also have a higher quality of finish. They are struck more times than circulating coins and individually inspected by hand. Pictured are the silver proof versions of the 2026 coin celebrating Game of Thrones.
Exclusivity
Except for non-coloured Brilliant Uncirculated coins, our commemorative coins are struck in limited quantities—making them more exclusive, collectible, and desirable among collectors. Coloured Brilliant Uncirculated coins are available exclusively from The Royal Mint. The specialist colour-printing process enhances their visual appeal and contributes to their higher price compared to their non-coloured counterparts. Pictured is the coin celebrating 50 years of Aardman.
Craftsmanship
Each commemorative coin is struck individually and undergoes meticulous hand inspection to ensure a flawless finish, with any coins showing imperfections carefully excluded from sale. Because Proof coins are struck multiple times to achieve their exceptional detail and quality, fewer are produced—making them especially sought-after by collectors. Bullion coins, while sharing a finish quality similar to circulating coins, are crafted from precious metals and undergo thorough polishing to remove minor blemishes. Purchased primarily for their intrinsic value, bullion coins are often held as a secure financial asset. Pictured is the Freddie Mercury coin, part of our Music Legends Collection.
Innovation
We always strive to remain at the forefront of innovative coin production. One of the most recent examples is the pioneering caustic feature found on the coin celebrating The Lord of the Rings. When certain editions are tilted to the light, the Eye of Sauron is reflected onto the surface below the coin. Find out more about it here.
In addition to innovative design features, from 2026 and beyond, all our gold proof collectable coins will be crafted from recycled gold obtained from electrical waste thanks to world-first chemistry. Pictured is the first coin to be released in our Lord of the Rings Collection.
Circulating Coins
Circulating coins are struck only once, resulting in a standard finish where any minor scratches or imperfections remain, contributing to each coin’s unique character. They are made from cupro-nickel, a durable but less valuable metal compared to the precious metals used in commemorative coins. These are the two main reasons why their cost and value is lower than commemorative coins.
There is no right or wrong way to collect. It all depends on your motivations and preferences. If you are willing to pay the extra cost for coins that are more attractive, are older with historical significance and scarce, or you are looking for a coin gift for someone, then commemorative coins and sets could be the best option for you.
