Items such as stamps, coins, art, and even cigarette cards are tangible assets that hold emotional significance for collectors; they are passion investments. However, beyond sentiment, these collectables also have investment value; they tend to be uncorrelated with other markets and can offer the potential for strong returns, none more so than gold bullion coins.
Collecting and investing – gold coins tick both boxes
Economic uncertainty, market volatility and geopolitical tension tend to drive investors to diversify their portfolios for risk. Gold coins are a great option here and are a proven store of wealth, but they also bridge another realm. They are prized and loved by collectors for their artistry, historical and cultural significance and rarity. This dual appeal means gold coins boast not only the intrinsic value of their gold content (the gold spot price is up over 30% in the past year**), but also the additional premium of collector demand, and this often substantially outpaces melt value. Added to this, collector demand is usually unaffected by fluctuations in the gold price.
Here, we highlight some standout examples of highly collectable coins that have proven popular with both investors and collectors and have appreciated significantly over the last few years; all are currently available from Solomon Global. We also spotlight three new additions for 2025, which we know will have major collector appeal and we’re confident will also have the potential for solid returns.
The Queen’s Beasts
The Queen’s Beasts coin collection is one of the most celebrated bullion series in modern history. The 10-coin series, launched by The Royal Mint in 2016, pays tribute to the heraldic beasts that stood guard at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. The intricate design, historical significance, and limited availability of the collection make it particularly appealing to collectors.
The Lion of England was the debut coin of the series; its reverse – designed by acclaimed artist Jody Clark – depicts the lion holding the Royal Arms shield, symbolising the strength and heritage of the monarchy. Clark’s fifth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II features on the obverse. At launch, the Lion of England cost approximately £900. Today, the coin is valued at around £3300 ungraded (also known as loose). Some certified examples can command upwards of £5000.
The 2021 Queen’s Beasts Completer coin is the grand finale of the series; on its reverse, it features all 10 of the Queen’s Beasts. It is especially prized by collectors looking to complete their series with a single, iconic piece.
The 10 heraldic beasts featured:
- The Lion of England
- The Red Dragon of Wales
- The Griffin of Edward III
- The Unicorn of Scotland
- The Black Bull of Clarence
- The Falcon of the Plantagenets
- The Yale of Beaufort
- The White Lion of Mortimer
- The White Horse of Hanover
- The White Greyhound of Richmond
The Completer Coin brings closure for collectors of one of the most revered modern coin series. However, it is also highly valued as a standalone piece.
2023 Britannia
The 2023 Britannia is a standout and highly collectable not only for its gold content and design but for, in the case of some of the run, an anomaly of featuring the ‘wrong monarch’. Traditionally, 850,000 Britannia coins are produced annually. However, due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, approximately 20,000 to 30,000 coins were struck bearing Her Late Majesty’s effigy. The rest of the run featured the new portrait of King Charles III. This makes it the only Britannia issue featuring two monarchs in the same year, a real rarity that sees strong demand among collectors.
King Charles III Coronation Coin
To mark the historic coronation of His Majesty King Charles III in 2023, The Royal Mint issued a limited-edition coronation coin struck in 1oz of 24-carat gold. Only 7,000 pieces were produced, so this coin scores high on rarity, and uniquely, it is the only coin to depict King Charles III wearing a crown. This is not just a royal commemorative piece but also a standout collectable with serious long-term value potential.
The Royal Tudor Beasts
Created in partnership with experts at Historic Royal Palaces, The Royal Mint’s Royal Tudor Beasts Collection was launched in October 2021 and is being released over five years. Like its predecessor (the Queen’s Beasts Series), the coins from this series are popular among numismatists and investors. The latest 1oz gold addition – the seventh coin in the series – is The Greyhound of Richmond, a historic emblem of loyalty, honour, skill, and celerity, beautifully brought to life through the intricate design of collection artist David Lawrence.
And the latest for 2025…
2025 British Lion 1oz Gold Bullion Coin
The first issue in The Royal Mint’s new bullion coin range, this heraldic coin with a global mintage of just 5,000 struck in 1 troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold to bullion standard, features one of Britain’s most iconic national emblems: the heraldic lion. It offers an exceptional combination of scarcity, heritage, and tax efficiency. Find out more about the British Lion 1oz Bullion Coin.
2025 Royal Arms 1oz Gold Coin
Crafted in 24-carat gold, the 2025 Royal Arms 1oz coin is a striking tribute to the United Kingdom’s enduring unity. Its intricate design, by renowned heraldic artist Timothy Noad, featuring the official coat of arms, weaves together the symbols of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It’s a truly timeless piece, which captures the essence of national heritage and blends history with exquisite craftsmanship, all of which has made it an instant hit among collectors.
St. George and the Dragon (2025)
One of Britain’s most iconic legends is brought to life in this 24-carat 2025 1oz gold bullion coin, which captures the dramatic battle between St. George and the Dragon. Designer Jody Clark provides a fresh take on this enduring story that dates back to the 11th century. A powerful symbol of good conquering evil, this coin blends artistry with investment appeal.
**Gold at £1918.89 on August 21st, 2024 and £2500.10 on August 22nd, 2025
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Buying physical gold as an investment involves risk, as the value of precious metal prices can be volatile. Historical financial performance does not necessarily give a guide of future financial performance. We recommend that you conduct your own independent research and seek professional tax, legal and financial advice before making any investment decisions.
