Four new coins are set to be released celebrating 25 years since the first book in the Harry Potter series was published in the United Kingdom. Not only will these coins mark a literature milestone, but the coin collection will also be the first to feature both Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.
Her Late Majesty will appear on the first two coins released this year whereas His Majesty will appear on the other coins released in 2023. Along with a 50p coin featuring Harry Potter, other series staples expected to make an appearance include Professor Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy, and the Hogwarts Express.
Released by The Royal Mint, prices range from £11 for an uncirculated 50p, to £5,125 for a £200 denomination gold Harry Potter coin. Fans will also be able to purchase a colour version of the Harry Potter 50p for £20. The work featured is designed by Jim Kay who created the first fully illustrated edition of the story.
In response, Kay said the news hadn’t quite fully sunken in yet. Noting he is typically on his own in a studio, and none of his art seems real until he sees a book on a shelf in the shop.
Nicola Howell, chief commercial officer at The Royal Mint said: “As the official maker of UK coins, we are delighted to make a spellbinding coin collection to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone.
‘The first coin in the collection, celebrating Harry Potter, will be available for collectors and fans to buy from today.”
High demand is expected for the collection. It’s said this will be one of ‘a small number’ of coins that will see a change of royal portrait midway.
