Royal Mint reveals 2026 coin collection with first use of recycled gold
Royal Mint reveals 2026 coin collection with first use of recycled gold
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The Royal Mint has revealed the first coins of 2026, unveiling five new designs that will commemorate a series of national milestones and anniversaries across British history.
The 2026 Annual Set includes coins marking 100 years of the Grand Prix in Britain, 200 years of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the 200th anniversary of HMS Beagle and 50 years of The King’s Trust.
A £5 coin will also celebrate the 100th birthday of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest reigning monarch.
Alongside the designs, The Royal Mint confirmed a sustainability milestone, with a limited number of gold commemorative coins in the 2026 collection produced using recycled gold for the first time.
In partnership with Sempsa, gold used in 52 gold commemorative versions of the Annual Set has been recycled from old jewellery and coins.
The initiative forms part of The Royal Mint’s wider commitment to sustainability, with the organisation aiming to produce all collectible gold coins from recycled gold by the end of 2026.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said: “This is an exciting moment for the nation to discover some of the anniversaries that will be celebrated on UK coins in 2026.
“Whether you’re a Royal enthusiast, a motor racing fan, or passionate about conservation, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
“Coins have a unique ability to mark a variety of themes that resonate across different communities and interests, creating lasting reminders of the moments and institutions that shape our shared heritage.”
She added: “We are also delighted to be introducing recycled gold into a limited number of commemorative coins.
“This move demonstrates our commitment to a more sustainable future for The Royal Mint, preserving finite precious metal resources and supporting a circular economy.”
The announcement follows continued investment in sustainable materials by The Royal Mint.
In 2024, it launched its Reformation Metals facility at its south Wales site, recovering gold from end-of-life technology including laptops, televisions and mobile phones for use in jewellery and lifestyle products.
The organisation also works with Betts Metals to recover silver from industrial and medical X-ray films, which is used in products such as the silver Sixpence.
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