History

Samuel Johnson and the 2005 50p Coin – Johnson’s Dictionary - In 2005 the Royal Mint issued a 50 pence coin into general circulation in the UK to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language. So who was Samuel Johnson and why was his dictionary special?

Glossary of Numismatic Terms - Numismatics is the study of coin collecting and it also has its own language with many words and terms. Our Glossary of Numismatic Terms give the explanation to some of these coin collecting words.

Metals used in Modern British Coins - What are the metals used in coins? Gold and silver are no longer used and the cheaper metals alloys used have also been changing.

Edgar Bertram Mackennal, Sculptor (1863-1931) - Bertram Mackennal was a coin designer, known especially for the portrait and other coin designs of King George V.

Colloquial Names of British Coins and their Origins - Over the years most British coins have picked up colloquial names, nicknames such as quids, bobs and tanners. Some of these terms are so old that their etymology is no longer clear, but here are a few of the more famous names.

Kings and Queens of England from 1066 - Kings and Queens of England from 1066

Branch Mints of the Royal Mint - Branch Mints of the Royal Mint. The story of the Royal Mint Branch Mints in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Thomas Simon, Engraver (1618-1665) - Thomas Simon (1618-1665) was the Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint from 1649 to 1660. He was a noted medallist, die and seal engraver and gem engraver.

Early History of London Mints to 1300 - A short early history of London Mints up to 1300.

Newton and the Counterfeiter Book Review - Book review: Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) is one of the best known scientists in the planet, but for the last 30 years of his life he was Master of the Mint. As part of his duties was to deal with counterfeiters, and it is then that he came up against maybe the greatest counterfeiter and con-man of his time, William Chaloner.