The History of The Royal Mint: Over 1,100 Years of British Craftsmanship

When you hold a British gold coin in your hand, you're not just holding a piece of precious metal you're holding over a thousand years of history.

The Royal Mint is one of the oldest institutions in the United Kingdom. From medieval London workshops to its cutting-edge facility in South Wales today, it has shaped Britain’s currency, heritage, and reputation for precision craftsmanship.

Here’s a closer look at how The Royal Mint has evolved from the 9th century to the modern day.

Origins: The Birth of Coinage in England

The roots of The Royal Mint date back to around 886 AD, during the reign of King Alfred the Great.

At this time:

• Coins were struck by hand in small workshops known as mints.

• These coins were silver pennies, featuring simple designs and the king’s name.

• Mints operated across several cities, but London quickly became the primary centre for production.

  
  

These early coins helped unify the kingdom and standardise trade across the land — laying the foundation for England’s economic system.

The Tower of London Era (1279–1812)

In 1279, minting was officially moved to the Tower of London, where it remained for over 500 years.

During this time, The Royal Mint:

• Produced coins for multiple monarchs including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Charles II.

• Introduced new denominations like the gold Sovereign (first struck in 1489 for Henry VII).

• Transitioned from hammered coins to milled coinage in the 1660s, using machinery to create more uniform and secure coins.

  
  

This era saw a significant leap forward in both design quality and security against forgery.

The Industrial Revolution and Expansion (1800s)

The 19th century brought innovation and global demand.

Key moments include:

• The introduction of steam-powered coin presses, pioneered by engineer Matthew Boulton, which allowed for faster and more consistent production.

• The 1817 reintroduction of the gold Sovereign, featuring Saint George and the Dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci.

• A growing international reputation — The Royal Mint struck coins not just for Britain but also for colonies and overseas territories.

  
  

By the late 1800s, The Royal Mint had become a cornerstone of the British Empire's global influence.

A New Home: The Move to Wales (1968)

In preparation for decimalisation, The Royal Mint relocated to a purpose-built facility in Llantrisant, South Wales.

This state-of-the-art site allowed for:

• Mass production of decimal coins (launched in 1971).

• Enhanced quality control, automation, and security.

• The creation of commemorative and bullion coins for collectors and investors around the world.

  
  

Today, all UK coinage is produced here from circulating coins to investment-grade gold Sovereigns and Britannias.

The Royal Mint Today: Innovation Meets Tradition

The Royal Mint now operates as a government-owned company, combining centuries of heritage with modern technology.

Its current focus includes:

• Gold and silver bullion coins, popular with investors for their tax efficiency and purity.

• Commemorative coins marking royal events, historical figures, and cultural icons.

• Sustainability efforts, including a new facility to recover precious metals from electronic waste.

• The Royal Mint Experience, an award-winning visitor centre that brings the story of British coinage to life.

Why The Royal Mint Still Matters

For over 1,100 years, The Royal Mint has reflected the story of Britain rom medieval kings to modern monarchs, from hammered coins to digital design.

Today, its coins are trusted not just for their beauty, but for their authenticity, quality, and historical significance.

Whether you're investing in tax-free gold or collecting rare releases, choosing Royal Mint products means owning a part of that remarkable legacy.