While we often cover coins that are unusual in subject, pushing boundaries technically, or simply quite unique in concept, there will always be a place for the classics, because there’s little that encapsulates history as much as numismatics. The Manx Angel, and the Noble, can trace their origins back to the 14th century, and even in their modern incarnations, go back over 40 years.

Tower Mint has just debuted the 2025 ranges, and they’re extensive, to say the least. Gold is available in everything from a half-gram to a kilo, and in both proof and bullion forms. Silver goes from half-ounce, to a kilo, again, in bullion and proof form. There’s a particularly nice two-coin silver set, containing proof and reverse-proof one-ounce coins. The whole range has tight mintages and is available now. These aren’t flashy, esoteric coins, but they embody the historical importance of numismatics so well, and we’re glad they exist.

The Manx Noble is the older design of the two, tracing its origins back to the ‘second coinage’ of King Edward II, from 1344 to 1346. The design, more specifically the inscriptions which are not present on the modern reimagining, celebrated Edward’s naval victory in 1340, at the Battle of Sluys, where an English fleet annihilated a numerically superior French fleet, losing just 2 ships, compared to 190. It was an early battle of the Hundred Years War.

The modern Noble has the honour of being the first coin minted in platinum specifically for investors, although gold and silver remain the primary metals of choice. It first appeared in 1983, and depicts a Viking longship under sail, along with some birds in flight. Earlier issues had four birds, but the current iteration has three. A Norse knit pattern, with the Isle of Man ‘Triskele, borders the reverse face. The obverse is a simple one, featuring an effigy of King Charles III

The second classic is the Manx Angel, which depicts the Archangel Michael slaying a dragon. Surrounding it is a border pattern based on a Norse design, and the Isle of Man’s coat-of-arms (the triskele) sits at the top. The design has changed since its first modern appearance in 1984, with the angel facing left or right for periods, the former the current orientation of choice.

The basic design actually dates back to 1465, when it was introduced by Edward IV, and was inspired by the French angelot, which was 125 years old at that point. The original obverse, depicting a ship on which the Royal Coat-of-Arms was overlaid, has been replaced by the effigy of the reigning monarch, on the modern interpretation, which is currently King Charles III.

The range is as extensive as that of the Noble, and the mintages are also identical. Suffice to say, if you have a particular budget in mind, there’s something for you. Another icon of the numismatic world gets the treatment it deserves.