Amongst the most iconic structures in the British capital, the Tower of London can trace its history back almost a millenium. The White Tower at its centre was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and housed its first prisoner, the Norman Bishop of Durham, Ranulf Flambard, just a few years later in 1100. In 1952, amongst the last to be housed there were the notorious London gangsters, the Kray Twins.

The Tower of London grew into a complex array of structures housed inside of two concentric defensive walls. Growing in several stages from the single original tower, English kings like Richard I, Henry III and Edward I expanded the fortress through the 13th century, and it largely resembles that layout to this day. You could write entire books on the history and construction of this quite fantastic complex, and if you’re ever in London, it’s well worth a visit, but what we’re looking at here is the Royal Mint’s latest coin series that showcase it.

A proof series of four coins, the collection will focus on some of the more iconic associated elements of the Tower of London, although not the individual buildings within it. The first coin features the famous Ravens of the Tower. The belief that if the ravens are not present at the Tower, the kingdom will fall, has led to at least six of these highly intelligent birds being kept at the Tower at all times. The fall under the protection of the equally famous Yeoman Warders, also called the Beefeaters – a group founded by Henry VII in 1485.

The coin design is actually very well realised. The bird is exceptionally well depicted and limiting the inscriptions to just the series name ‘TOWER OF LONDON’ has helped considerably. The background contains just a single element – a birds eye layout of a section of the Tower complex. This actually carries on to the other three coins in the series, so laid out next to each other they will form a look at the whole fortress, if a sporadic and incomplete one.

Three further coins will appear through 2019 and feature the Crown Jewels (March), the Yeoman Warders (June), and the Ceremony of the Keys (August). Each looks pretty decent, although we think the Ravens coin will remain the highlight.

The base £5 coin range is offered in three formats. The 39.94 gram 22kt gold format is one the Royal Mint has made its own over the decades, and it continues here. These are noticeable as the gold has that redder look from the copper within them. A mintage of just 325 reflects the price of £1,950 per coin – a significant investment for the set of four. The sterling 0.925 silver coin comes in two thicknesses. The standard range of 28.28 gram coins has a mintage of 3,800 pieces and is clearly the one expected to be chosen by most. Still pricey at £82.50 each, they’re positive bargains compared to most of the offerings. The second silver coin is simply a piedfort (double-thickness) variant of 56.56 grams in weight, with a 950 mintage and a per coin cost of £155.00.

Three other formats, each with a denomination differing from the base £5, are available as well. The ¼ ounce fine gold (800 mintage, £460) will tempt many, and the 5 oz fine silver piece will no doubt be a highlight (425 mintage £420). A 5 oz fine gold coin with a tiny 35 mintage will probably look outstanding, but the £8,265 price tag will keep virtually everyone away.

Available to order now, this is a good-looking set covering a terrific subject. Prices are (as usual) on the higher side of what we’d like to see, but the coins are will presented and have a lot of appeal. Those on a tight budget can pick up the base metal brilliant-unciculated coins for just £13.00 each. If you want to buy, please click the banner lower down and AgAuNEWS will get a small and much needed fee from the mint at no cost to you..