This year sees the 800th anniversary of one of the most important documents in human history, the Magna Carta. There’s plenty of information in the mints own descriptions below so we won’t repeat it here, but suffice to say it was a landmark event that produced a document laying many of the foundations of modern western society. It’s also from a period resplendent with pageantry and symbology that would make fine numismatic designs. Coin Invest Trust recently released a superb little 0.5 g gold coin and now we look at some more coins commemorating this anniversary.
First up is the Royal Australian Mints new rectangular antique-silver coin carrying an inscription from the 1297 Inspeximus issue of the Magna Carta. This $120.00 AUD coin has a fitting design and does carry a small representation of the seal but we much prefer the design on the copper-nickel coin. Not usually something we cover here, we thought this was worth a mention for its attractive depiction of the seal of King John. Only $8 AUD, we still hope they release a precious metal variant.
Lastly, the Royal Mint have finally released the precious metal variants of the bimetallic coin first shown back in November 2014. A beautiful little John Bergdahl designed coin that uses the bimetallic colour variation to good effect, this one takes the same seal of King John and uses it to create a unique piece of artwork to adorn the reverse side. Available in gold with the contrast between the rim and centre achieved by using yellow gold and red gold for £695, and in 12g and 24g silver with the rim gilded at £50 and £100 respectively. The edge carries the inscription FOUNDATION OF LIBERTY.
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT SILVER
2015 $5 Fine Silver Antique Rectangular Coin – 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta has been reissued by Monarchs throughout history, including the 1297 Inspeximus issue by Edward I, which now takes pride of place at the Australian Parliament House. It is a fitting home for a document to which much Australian legislation can trace its roots. This unique coin features a representation of King John’s Great Seal which formalised the original 1215 Magna Carta. An inscription taken from the 1297 Inspeximus issue held at the Australian Parliament House also appears on the reverse.
Pre Orders will be dispatch after 15 June 2015
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | WEIGHT | SIZE | FINISH | MINTAGE | BOX / COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5 AUD | 0.999 SILVER | 1,000 g | 40.0 x 28.0 mm | ANTIQUE | 10,000 | YES / YES |
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ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT COPPER-NICKEL
2015 20c Uncirculated Coin 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta
On 15 June 1215, in Runnymede, Surrey, King John placed a royal seal on one of the most important documents in human history. The Magna Carta (Great Charter) was a revolutionary declaration, ensuring that any future rulers were also bound by law. With the Magna Carta sealed, a ruler’s power could not stop citizens enjoying their rights and freedoms. Coin’s reverse features a representation of King John’s original seal on the 1215 Magna Carta .Presented on a card with historical information about the Magna Carta. Coin’s reverse depicts the 1297 seal which is housed at the Australian Parliament House.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | WEIGHT | DIAMETER | FINISH | MINTAGE | BOX / COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 CENTS | Cu Ni | 11.30 g | 28.52 mm | UNCIRCULATED | 30,000 | CARD / YES |
ROYAL MINT GOLD & SILVER
The Magna Carta was essentially a peace treaty imposed on King John by his barons, a formal solution to troubled times in the thirteenth century. But it has been quoted by prime ministers and presidents through the ages, a charter of freedoms and the foundation of liberty throughout the world. In 2015 we celebrate the 800th anniversary of this historic document that has influenced the constitutions of great nations, a charter that survives in part in British law today.
This sterling silver coin has a reverse designed by John Bergdahl, who has taken his inspiration from the art of the middle ages and the royal seal used to authorise the Magna Carta itself. Your coin is enhanced by our pristine Proof finish and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and a fascinating booklet on the Magna Carta’s importance through time.
This a great gift for an historian, anyone recognising the importance of the charter, or a fine addition to any collection.The Magna Carta has survived eight centuries of political and social evolution. It is still recognised as one of the cornerstones of human liberty with far-reaching effects across the globe. It has influenced the Constitution of the United States of America and the Canadian Charter of Rights and still features in British law today. A resolution to a despotic King John, the Magna Carta was created to limit the monarch’s powers. Over time it has ensured justice and freedom for the common man.
Latin for ‘great charter’, the Magna Carta was agreed by King John at Runnymede on the banks of the River Thames in 1215. Some 800 years later, to celebrate this great charter of freedoms, John Bergdahl has created a design inspired by King John’s royal seal. This coin celebrates an historic moment in time and is available in Brilliant Uncirculated, silver and gold Proof and silver Proof Piedfort editions – perfect for collectors, historians or those looking to celebrate all that the Magna Carta stands for.
| COMPOSITION | WEIGHT | DIAMETER | FINISH | MINTAGE | BOX / COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.925 SILVER. OUTER GILDED | 12.0 g | 28.40 mm | PROOF | 3,000 | YES / YES |
| 0.925 SILVER. OUTER GILDED | 24.0 g | 28.40 mm | PROOF | 2,000 | YES / YES |
| 0.9167 GOLD. YELLOW & RED | 15.97 g | 28.40 mm | PROOF | 400 | YES / YES |
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