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Friday 30 June 2023

2902) "Shirley Bassey", United Kingdom: "Music Legends Coin Series": Sixth Coin in the Series minted in Cupro-nickel, Gold and Silver features the timeless Diva who gave the Title songs in three James Bond movies - "Diamonds are Forever", "Moonraker" and "Goldfinger": Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023:

2902) "Shirley Bassey", United Kingdom: "Music Legends Coin Series": Sixth Coin in the Series minted in Cupro-nickel, Gold and Silver features the timeless Diva who gave the Title songs in three James Bond movies - "Diamonds are Forever", "Moonraker" and "Goldfinger": Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023:

Music Legends Coin Series:

1) "The Who", United Kingdom: The iconic Rock Group features on the latest "British Music Legends" Collector Coin Series issues from the Royal Mint UK: Date of Coin Release: 24.05.2021 

2) Music Giants III, QUEEN, UK: A comprehensive Coin and Stamps Combo issued by the Royal Mail UK in collaboration with the Queen Band and the Royal Mint, UK: Date of Coin & Stamp combo issue: 09.06.2020

3) "Rolling Stones", United Kingdom: "Music Legends Coin Series": Fifth Coin in the Series: Gold, Silver and Cupro-nickel Coins feature the timeless Rock Band: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2022

4) 50 Years of Pink Floyd: Two Commemorative Stamp sets (Presentation Sets) brought out by the Royal Mail, UK on 07.07.2016: 1) 50 Years of Pink Floyd: A set of six stamps issued, their most popular studio albums 2) Legendary Live Performances: A set of four stamps issued depicting four of their memorable tours

5) "Yellow Submarine", A song sung by the English Rock Band - "The Beatles" in 1966, Gibraltar: A 5 Pounds Silver Coin minted by the crown Mint features the iconic song sung by the legendary Rock Group: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2022

6) Iron Maiden (a Heavy Metal English Band), United Kingdom (UK): A set of eight stamps issued on the legendary Band by Royal Mail UK: Date of Stamp set issue: 12.01.2023

7) "Shirley Bassey", United Kingdom: "Music Legends Coin Series": Sixth Coin in the Series minted in Cupro-nickel, Gold and Silver features the timeless Diva who gave the title songs in three James Bond movies - "Diamonds ae Forever", "Moonraker" and Goldfinger": Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023


The Header/Banner shows the Reverse of the Gold and Silver Coin issues against a background representation of Shirley Bassey performing on stage

The Royal Mint has brought out its sixth collection of Gold and Silver Proof Coins which is a part of the ongoing series titled - "Music Legends".

This Coin  depicts one of Britain’s most beloved singers and entertainers, Shirley Bassey. 

She is featured on the sixth release in the popular “Music Legends” series and becomes the first female included as part of the collection.  Shirley was invited to personally strike the first coin in the collection, visiting the Royal Mint’s facilities in Pontyclun, Cardiff.

About Shirley Veronica Bassey:

Shirley Veronica Bassey is a Welsh singer, best known for her career longevity, powerful voice and recording the theme songs to three James Bond films.

Bassey is widely regarded as one of the most popular vocalists in Britain

Born in Cardiff, Bassey began performing as a teenager in 1953

In 1959, she became the first Welsh singer to gain a number-one single on the UK Singles Chart.

In the following decades, Bassey amassed 27 Top 40 hits in the UK, including two number-ones.

She became well-known for recording the soundtrack theme songs of the James Bond films Goldfinger (1964), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), and Moonraker (1979).

In 2020, Bassey became the first female artist to chart an album in the Top 40 of the UK Albums Chart in seven consecutive decades with her album - "I Owe It All To You".

Bassey has also had numerous BBC television specials, and she hosted her own variety series, Shirley Bassey. 

In 2011, BBC aired the television film Shirley, based on Bassey's life and career. 

Since making her first appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in 1971, she has performed at the venue 45 times.

Bassey received the first award for Best British Female Solo Artist at the 1st Brit Awards in 1977.

In 2003, she was ranked among the "100 Great Black Britons". 

Her song "Goldfinger" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008

In a career spanning over 70 years, Bassey has sold over 140 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artist of all time.

She is the first woman in history to claim a Top 40 album in seven consecutive decades in the United Kingdom.

The Commemorative Coins:

The Reverse of the entire range of Gold, Silver and Cupro-nickel Coins features Shirley’s name front and centre and a silhouette of Shirley Bassey as she had been seen on stage countless times during her long career. 

The design recalls the three James Bond movie theme tunes for which Shirley Bassey had provided the vocals:

The song title "DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER" is placed on each side of her silhouette in the centred. 

The song title "MOONRAKER" is placed just above her name "Shirley" and to the right, the title "GOLDFINGER" is seen in a vertical direction within the letter “h.” 

The design also highlights performer’s Welsh roots with a small depiction of the Welsh dragon just over the capital letter “B.” 

Taking centre stage is a silhouette of Shirley Bassey.

Using the latest innovative technology and striking techniques, the Proof coins feature a confetti stardust style effect in the text "Dame Shirley Bassey", recognising her incomparable career.

A selection of the Proof coins also feature cut lettering, which creates a diamond-like faceting to the text - "DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER".

The Obverse of the entire range of Gold, Silver and Cupro-nickel Coins features the effigy of King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings. 

The denomination from "2 POUNDS to 200 POUNDS", and the year of issue - "2023", also appear on the obverse as part of the legend on the outer periphery.

The specifications of the Silver and Gold Coin Variants are:

i) £2 (2 Pounds) Silver Coin Variant:

Country of issue: United Kingdom; Year: 2023; Denomination/Face Value: £2 UKP (2 Pounds); Metal Composition: .999 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 1.0 Oz or 31.2 grams; Diameter/Size: 38.6 mm; Coin Quality: Proof with applied colour (P & AC); Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mintage: 2,500 pieces; Designer: Sue Aperghis (Reverse), Martin Jennings (Obverse). 

ii) £5 (5 Pounds) Silver Coin Variant:

Country of issue: United Kingdom; Year: 2023; Denomination/Face Value: £5 UKP (5 Pounds); Metal Composition: .999 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 2.00 Oz or 62.4 grams; Diameter/Size: 40.00 mm; Coin Quality: Proof (P); Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mintage: 350 pieces; Designer: Sue Aperghis (Reverse), Martin Jennings (Obverse). 

iii) £10 (10 Pounds) Silver Coin Variant:

Country of issue: United Kingdom; Year: 2023; Denomination/Face Value: £10 UKP (10 Pounds); Metal Composition: .999 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 156.29 grams; Diameter/Size: 65.00 mm; Coin Quality: Proof (P); Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mintage: 600 pieces; Designer: Sue Aperghis (Reverse), Martin Jennings (Obverse). 

iv) £25 (25 Pounds) Gold Coin Variant:

Country of issue: United Kingdom; Year: 2023; Denomination/Face Value: £25 UKP (25 Pounds); Metal Composition: .9999 Fineness Gold (Au/Or); Weight: 7.80 grams; Diameter/Size: 22.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mintage: 350 pieces; Designer: Sue Aperghis (Reverse), Martin Jennings (Obverse). 

iv) £100 (100 Pounds) Gold Coin Variant:

Country of issue: United Kingdom; Year: 2023; Denomination/Face Value: £100 UKP (100 Pounds); Metal Composition: .9999 Fineness Gold (Au/Or); Weight: 1.00 Oz or 31.21 grams; Diameter/Size: 32.69 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mintage: 150 pieces: Designer: Sue Aperghis (Reverse), Martin Jennings (Obverse).

v) £200 (200 Pounds) Gold Coin Variant:

Country of issue: United Kingdom; Year: 2023; Denomination/Face Value: £200 UKP (200 Pounds); Metal Composition: .9999 Fineness Gold (Au/Or); Weight: 2.00 Oz or 62.42 grams; Diameter/Size: 40.00 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mintage: 70 pieces: Designer: Sue Aperghis (Reverse), Martin Jennings (Obverse).

v) £5 (5 Pounds) Cupro-Nickel Coin Variant:

Country of issue: United Kingdom; Year: 2023; Denomination/Face Value: £5 UKP (5 Pounds); Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel (CuNi); Weight: 28.20 grams; Diameter/Size: 38.60 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncircluated (BU); Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mintage: Unlimited pieces: Designer: Sue Aperghis (Reverse), Martin Jennings (Obverse).

v) £5 (5 Pounds) Cupro-Nickel Coin Variant:

Country of issue: United Kingdom; Year: 2023; Denomination/Face Value: £5 UKP (5 Pounds); Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel (CuNi); Weight: 28.20 grams; Diameter/Size: 38.60 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncircluated (BU) with applied colour (AC); Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mintage: 5,000 pieces: Designer: Sue Aperghis (Reverse), Martin Jennings (Obverse).

The Brilliant Uncirculated Cupro-nickel coins are presented in a blister-pak type folder with illustrations and informative text about Shirley Bassey. 

The Silver Proof strikes are encapsulated and presented in black branded custom cases and accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity (COA)

The Gold Pieces are encapsulated and presented in gloss-polished hardwood custom cases accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).





1) 200 Years of the Discovery of Antarctica, Estonia: A 2 Euro Commemorative Coin dedicated the the Bicentenary of the Discovery of Antarcticca by Admiral Fabian Gottlieb Benjamin von Bellingshausen on board the "Vostok": Coin issue date: 01/2020

2) Solomon Islands: 250th Anniversary of Captain James Cook's first Pacific "Voyage of Discovery" and charting of New Zealand and Australia's East Coast: Date of Coin issue: 2020















Links: Postage Stamps from the British Isles:

























37) Sherlock Holmes, United Kingdom: A set of six stamps issued by Royal Mail, UK featuring the characters of the modern version of a TV Serial "Sherlock" started in 2010 by the BBC, together with Cupro-nickel & Silver Medals minted by the Royal Mint, UK: Date of Stamp Set issue: 18.08.2020














53) Gibraltar Cryptocurrency Stamp: Stamp value 4 Pounds: Date of Stamp issue: 15.05.2021: (Pre-ordered accepted from 19.04.2021)

54) The Calf Of Man Nature Reserve", Isle of Man, A British Crown Dependency (BCD): 75th Anniversary" Celebrations (1946-2021): A set of ten Stamps issued by the Isle of Man Post (IOMP) commemorating the milestone of this Biosphere Island: (Also includes the EUROPA Stamp on "Endangered National Wildlife" theme designated by PostEurop for 2021): Date of Stamps issue: 12.04.2021

55) "The Who", United Kingdom: The iconic Rock Group features on the latest "British Music Legends" Collector Coin Series issues from the Royal Mint UK: Date of Coin Release: 24.05.2021

56) "Sark - Dark Sky Island", Guernsey, A British Crown Dependency (BCD): This "GuernseyTogether" Series of stamps by Guernsey Post features drawings made by Sark school-children: Date of stamp set issue: 19.08.2020

57) Surfing in Jersey, a British Crown Dependency (BCD): A set if six stamps issued by Jersey Post featuring contemporary photographs taken by Jersey photographers: Date of Stamp Set issie: 18.05.2021

58) Dennis and Gnasher, United Kingdom: 70th Anniversary (1951-2021): A set of sis Stamps issued by Royal Mail, UK, featuring the popular comic strip: Date of Stamp Set issue: 01.07.2021

59) The Palace of Westminster, United Kingdom: 10th Anniversary molestone (1870-2020): Royal Mail UK has issued a set of Ten Stamps featuring the iconic Palace: Date/Year of Coin issue: 30.07.2020

60) Industrial Revolutions, United Kingdom: Royal Mail, UK has brought out a set of stamps featuring the Industrial Revolutions: Date of Stamp Set issue: 12.08.2021

61) Frances Hodgson Burnett and "The Secret Garden", Alderney, A British Crown Dependency (BCD): A set of six postage stamps issued by Guernsey Post on behalf of Aldernay Islands: Date of Stamp set issue: 01.09.2021

62) "75th Anniversary of MENSA" (1946-2021", Isle of Man, A British  Crown Dependency (BCD): A set of six stamps issued by the Isle of Man Post (IOMP): Date of Stamp Set issue: 01.10.2021

63) Non-Value Indicator (NVI) Definitive Stamps, United Kingdom (UK): Date of Stamps issue: 01.02.2022

64) "Heart of the Forest", Guernsey , A British Crown Dependency (BCD): Guernsey Post has brought out the first part of a Stamp quartet which takes inspiration from the "Love Paper" Global Campaign: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 09.02.2022

65) Harvest of the Sea, Jersey, A British Crown Dependency (BCD): Jersey Post has issued a set of six stamps depicting six different sea foods: Date/Year of Stamp set issue: 17.02.2022



















Innovations in Science 50 Pence Coin Series:

Music Legends Coin Series:

1) "The Who", United Kingdom: The iconic Rock Group features on the latest "British Music Legends" Collector Coin Series issues from the Royal Mint UK: Date of Coin Release: 24.05.2021 

2) Music Giants III, QUEEN, UK: A comprehensive Coin and Stamps Combo issued by the Royal Mail UK in collaboration with the Queen Band and the Royal Mint, UK: Date of Coin & Stamp combo issue: 09.06.2020

3) "Rolling Stones", United Kingdom: "Music Legends Coin Series": Fifth Coin in the Series: Gold, Silver and Cupro-nickel Coins feature the timeless Rock Band: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2022

4) 50 Years of Pink Floyd: Two Commemorative Stamp sets (Presentation Sets) brought out by the Royal Mail, UK on 07.07.2016: 1) 50 Years of Pink Floyd: A set of six stamps issued, their most popular studio albums 2) Legendary Live Performances: A set of four stamps issued depicting four of their memorable tours

5) "Yellow Submarine", A song sung by the English Rock Band - "The Beatles" in 1966, Gibraltar: A 5 Pounds Silver Coin minted by the crown Mint features the iconic song sung by the legendary Rock Group: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2022

6) Iron Maiden (a Heavy Metal English Band), United Kingdom (UK): A set of eight stamps issued on the legendary Band by Royal Mail UK: Date of Stamp set issue: 12.01.2023

7) "Shirley Bassey", United Kingdom: "Music Legends Coin Series": Sixth Coin in the Series minted in Cupro-nickel, Gold and Silver features the timeless Diva who gave the title songs in three James Bond movies - "Diamonds ae Forever", "Moonraker" and Goldfinger": Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023

Links to "Great Engravers Coin Series":

1) "William Wyon", United Kingdom (UK): "Great Engravers Coin Series": First Coin in the Series features Wyon's Gothic Crown in Gold and Silver: Date/Year of Coin issue: 06.12.2021

2) "William Wyon", United Kingdom (UK): "Great Engravers Coin Series": Second Coin in the Series featuring the Obverse of Wyon's Gothic Crown in Gold and Silver: Date/Year of Coin issue: 02/2022 (with Date of issue marked as 2021)

3) "The Petition Crown", United Kingdom: "Master Engravers Coin Series": Thomas Simon's Crown Coin designed as a direct response to the newly restored King Charles II to consider his own work for use on English coinage: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023

The World of David Walliams Coin Series:





 Posts on the UK Coins and Stamps:

"Tales of the Earth Coin Series": The Second Dinosaurs Collector Coin Series:

i) Prehistoric Temnodontosaurus, United Kingdom: "Tales of the earth Coin Series": First coin in the "Second Dinosaurs Collector Coin Series" features on Gold, Silver & Cupro-nickel 50 Pence Coin Variants: Date/Year of Coin issue: 25.02.2021 Variants

Myths & Legends Coin Series:

1) "ROBIN HOOD", United Kingdom: "Myths and Legends Coin Series": First Coin in the Series: Silver 2 UKP (2 Pounds) and Gold 100 UKP(100 Pounds) Bullion Coins issued by the Royal Mint UK featuring the famed/legendary Outlaw: Year of Coin issue: 2021

2) The Legend of Robin Hood, United Kingdom: Royal Mail, UK has issued a set of ten postage stamps depicting the legend of Robin Hood: Date of Stamp Set issue: 13.04.2023

3) "MERLIN", United Kingdom: "Myths and Legends Coin Series": Second Bullion Coin in the Series: Silver 2 UK Pounds & 5 UK Pounds and Gold 25 and 100 UK Pounds Bullion Coins and 5 Pounds Cupro-nickel issued by the Royal Mint UK featuring the legendary wizard: Year of Coin issue: 2023

A Tribute to the Life of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022):

i) A Tribute to the Life of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) featuring "The Royal Cipher", British Antarctic Territory (BAT), "Proclamation", South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SG & SSI), "Double Portrait", Falkland Islands: Pobjoy Mint, UK has brought out a limited edition 3-Coin 50 Pence Set with Pearl Black Finish and Privy Mark: Year of Coin issue: 2022:

"The Queen's Beasts" Coin Series, UK issues:



"Tales of the Earth - Dinosauria" Coin Series, UK issues:

Links to some other interesting posts from the British Isles and British Overseas Territories/Dependencies:

Central Bank of Ireland issues:



3) Irish Myths & Legends: 1) The Children of Lir;2) Cu Chulain; 3) The Omniscient Salmon of Knowledge; 4) Werewolves of Ossory; 5) The Brown Bull of Cooley and Deirdre of the Sorrows: An Annual Mint Set from the Central Bank of Ireland, recreates/celebrates Irish Folk Tales (Issue date: 30.04.2018)




Bank of Ireland issues:


Northern Ireland Bank issues:

1) Northern Ireland Polymer Bank Issues: Danske Bank (10 Pounds Polymer Banknotes), Bank of Ireland (5 & 10 Pound Polymer Banknotes) to go into circulation in 2020/21






Inspirations from Scottish History (Clydesdale Bank Banknotes): 

  
2) Commemorating Sir William Arrol and his creation the Forth Rail Bridge by issues of Britain's first ever 5 Pound Polymer Banknote
Banknotes from Royal Bank of Scotland:


British Crown Dependencies/Overseas Territories:



3) Currency & Coinage of the Bailiwick of Guernsey











22) "Medusa The Gorgon": British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT): A Silver Double Crown (4 Pounds), 2 Oz High relief Coin with antique Finish: Fourth Coin in the series titled "Mythical Creatures" issued by Pobjoy Mint UK on behalf of BIOT in 09/2018




27) Concorde, a Stamp set from Gibraltar, A British Overseas Territory (BOT): 50th Anniversary of the first Supersonic Passenger Carrying Airplane, jointly built by France and Great Britain: Stamp set issue date:  20.04.2019



30) Manannan, the First King of Isle of Man or Mann: A Silver 5 Pounds Coin brought out by the Isle of Man in collaboration with Coin Invest Trust (CIT) and minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich

‎31) 200th Anniversary of John Keats' "Odes to a ....", Alderney Island: A set of six Postage stamps issued by Guernsey Post which brings out stamps on behalf of Alderney Island - 1) Ode on a Grecian Urn,(48p) 2) Ode on Indolence (65p), 3) Ode on Melancholy (66p), 4) Ode to a Nightingale (80p), 5) Ode to Psyche (90p), 6) Ode to Autumn (98 p) : Stamp Set issue date: 24.07.2019‎32) Isle of Mann: Celebrating the 200th Birth Anniversary of the Birth of Herman Melville, the author of the classic Moby Dick: A six Stamp Set issued on 22.07.2019
































Gold Sovereign Coins:
  



Silver Sovereign Coins:


British India Coinage:



3) Edward VII: King & Emperor  Coinage





5) The British Empire: A Case of Numismatic "Segregation": (Guest Post by Rahul Kumar)



 British Coinage:


2) Transformation of a Five shilling Coin (Crown) into the UK Twenty-five Pence & then the Five Pound Coin
4) The 350th Anniversary of the Guinea: A Two Pound Coin issued by the Royal Mint UK celebrating the milestone





 Commemorative British Coinage:



3) Coins commemorating London Olympics & Paralympics (2012)

5) Commemorating the 100th Birth anniversary of Christopher Ironside with his " Royal Arms" design on a 50 Pence coin issued by the Royal Mint, UK 

The Brixton Pound: