Historic anniversaries are set to be honoured on a new collection of coins.
The Royal Mint’s 2026 commemorative UK coin series will celebrate 200 years of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II, and a century of the British Grand Prix.
Additional themes include 200 years since the first HMS Beagle expedition and 50 years of The King’s Trust.
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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."
The collection includes two new 50p coins, two £2 coins, and a £5 coin.
The 50p coins will mark 100 years of the British Grand Prix and 50 years of The King’s Trust, while the £2 coins will celebrate the bicentenaries of the ZSL and HMS Beagle.
The £5 coin will commemorate what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday.
This will also be the first time The Royal Mint releases commemorative coins using recycled gold.
A limited edition of 52 gold coins has been produced using recycled gold from old jewellery and coins, in partnership with Sempsa.
Ms Morgan said: "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 Royal Mint has set a goal to produce all gold commemorative coins from recycled gold by the end of 2026.
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In 2024, the Royal Mint opened a reformation metals facility in South Wales, where gold is recovered from end-of-life electronics, including laptops, TVs, and mobile phones.
The recovered gold is used in jewellery and lifestyle products.
In collaboration with Betts Metals, the Mint also uses silver recycled from industrial and medical X-ray films, which features in products such as the silver sixpence.
The 2026 commemorative coin sets will be available to purchase in a variety of precious metal and base proof finishes starting January 2.
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Prices will begin at £39.50, with a limited edition 22-carat gold coin set priced at £14,500.
All coins will feature the official portrait of King Charles III.
The King's Trust 50p will only be available as part of the 2026 annual set.
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