Introduced in 2013 as the first face-value silver coin intended for general circulation in the United Kingdom, this £20 piece was sold directly to the public at face value — £20 — through the Royal Mint's website. The premise was straightforward: a legal tender silver coin accessible without a numismatic premium. In practice, virtually none entered circulation, as the bullion value alone justified retention.
The Spink reference NE1 places it as the inaugural entry in a new category of British coinage, one that continued annually with varying reverse designs.
Introduced in 2013 as the first face-value silver coin intended for general circulation in the United Kingdom, this £20 piece was sold directly to the public at face value — £20 — through the Royal Mint's website. The premise was straightforward: a legal tender silver coin accessible without a numismatic premium. In practice, virtually none entered circulation, as the bullion value alone justified retention.
The Spink reference NE1 places it as the inaugural entry in a new category of British coinage, one that continued annually with varying reverse designs.