The British currency is the oldest currency still in use in the world and one of the most respected. The Royal Mint's collection presents a complete set of the island kingdom's 2024 metal coins.

What is the role of coins? They are, of course, an instrument of exchange, but since the earliest times they have also served as a symbol of power. History offers countless examples - as soon as a new ruler ascended the throne, he had new currency produced to seal his rule. Every glance at the coin reminded the subjects of whom they served, and every stranger suddenly understood whose country he was visiting... A lot of time has passed since the days of self-righteous sovereigns, but portraits still appear on modern coins. When a coin is adorned with the familiar face of a head of state, it adds prestige and credibility. For many decades, British coins bore the likeness of Elizabeth II, but the Queen passed away in 2022. Since 2023, the pounds have presented a portrait of her son and successor, King Charles III. It is not without interest that the design of the coins is influenced by British tradition, whose roots date back to the 17th century. This tradition states that the profiles of the monarchs alternate - as the Queen looks to the right, her son looks to the left on the coins.

The coins in the currency set are dedicated to the fauna and flora of different parts of the United Kingdom, reflecting Charles III's personal interest in nature conservation. The individual reverse sides bear a plover (1p), squirrel (2p), oak (5p), grouse (10p), puffin (20p), salmon (50p), bees (£1) and rose, daffodil, thistle and clover (£2). The final four plants symbolise the four countries of the island kingdom - England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The King himself, who personally supervised the preparation of the coins, then appears on all the obverse sides. The portrait in profile is surrounded by the text CHARLES III DEI GRA REX FID DEF (Charles III, King by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith).

The coins, which are placed in a common packaging (in English), were minted in "brilliant" quality - they have never been in circulation, which could damage them, and their relief is more detailed than in the case of conventional currency.