From Ancient Coins to Modern Currency: Exploring the Royal Mint

Dive into over a thousand years of monetary history at the world-renowned Royal Mint.

Author:
Numismatic News Staff
Publish date:
Jul 3, 2024

The Royal Mint

Dive into over a thousand years of monetary history at the world-renowned Royal Mint.

Visiting The Royal Mint, located in Llantrisant, South Wales, offers a fascinating journey into the heart of British coinage. The experience begins at the state-of-the-art visitor center, which provides an interactive introduction to the history and craftsmanship of coin making. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the evolution of currency from ancient times to the present day. The Royal Mint, with over 1,100 years of history, is not only a crucial part of the UK's financial heritage but also a global leader in the production of coins and medals.

'The Penny Mini' - appeared in a film to promote the Beatles single 'Penny Lane' over 50 years ago. The car, covered in Penny Coins, is now on display in the Foyer at the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, South Wales.
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One of the highlights of the visit is the ability to observe the coin production process firsthand. The tour takes you through various stages of manufacturing, from the initial design to the striking of coins. Our guide will share their insights into the technology and precision required to produce the coins that circulate in the UK and around the world. The sight of thousands of freshly minted coins is both impressive and enlightening, showcasing the scale and efficiency of modern minting operations.

An employee places a blank into a coin press. Underneath the blank is the obverse die, which features an effigy of King Charles III.
Trip Advisor UK

The Royal Mint Experience also includes a section where visitors can strike their own coin. This unique souvenir provides visitors with a memorable keepsake and reminds them of the craftsmanship and detail involved in coin production. Striking your own coin is a hands-on activity that adds a personal touch to the visit.

Visitors can strike their own coins during the Mint tour.
Trip Advisor UK

Beyond the coin production process, the Royal Mint houses a fascinating collection of rare and historic coins. The museum section displays a range of coins from different eras and regions. This collection provides a deeper understanding of the cultural and economic significance of coins throughout history. Visitors can see coins that were used by ancient civilizations, medieval kingdoms, and modern nations, offering a comprehensive view of the evolution of money.

Alfred the Great silver penny — Alfred the Great’s silver penny, dating from around 886 AD, is one of the earliest coins in the Royal Mint Museum collection.
The Royal Mint

A visit to the Royal Mint is an enriching experience featuring history, technology, and hands-on activities. It’s the perfect addition to our trip and an ideal destination for anyone interested in the heritage of British currency.

If you'd like to explore The Royal Mint with us, we are heading there as part of our NumisTravel Tour of London and Wales from September 25 through October 2, 2024. Learn more about the tour and register here.