Our Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Royal Mint (U.K.) announced the release of coins engraved with Harry Potter illustrations made available on 20th October 2022. "To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the publication of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone', we have struck a range of spellbinding coins featuring a portrait of Harry Potter created by Jim Kay and Ffion Gwillim," the Royal Mint wrote on its website. The news thrilled Potterheads who have always wanted to teleport to the beautifully woven world.
Revelation from Royalmint.com
Inspired by J.k. Rowling’s 1997 legendary fiction book published by Bloomsbury that has been the impetus for a lot of youngsters to become readers- the Harry Potter 50p coins have changing portraits.
Muggles shall embark on a thrilling experience of witnessing their favourites- The Boy who lived, Professor Dumbledore, The Hogwarts Express, and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on these coins. The coins feature Jim Kay’s work as the original illustrator of the debut Harry Potter Novel, modelled by Ffion Gwillim at Royal Mint. Traditional minting techniques had to be fused to aptly reproduce Jim Kay’s illustrations in colour. Advanced picosecond Lasers were involved in the process to ensure accuracy and a special enhanced effect of the intricate designs. An enchanting “latent feature” was unveiled - a lightning bolt and the number 25 that presents itself on rotating the coin in light.
This honourable commemoration seems surreal to the artist- “It hasn’t really sunk in yet," Kay stated.
Ffion Gwillim, The Royal Mint designer who modelled the artwork onto coins, said: “The Harry Potter illustrations are so iconic and recognizable, we wanted to faithfully recreate them on a UK coin for the first time. Working with Jim Kay, we’ve created a collection that is a fitting celebration of the original artwork and the iconic story.”
The Royal Mint said that it is expecting a high demand for the coins, but it also added that the Harry Potter collection will be one of a "small number" that will have a change of portrait during the series. The collection of coins, of 50 pence denomination, comes in silver and gold variants. The intriguing piece of information is that this set of Harry Potter-themed coins features portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and recently proclaimed King Charles III in the series.
Unique Selling Propositions for Fans (Royalmint.com)
This series shall be the last focused on childhood characters following Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, and The Snowman. On 8th September, collectors witnessed the unveiling of the first coin design at the Royal Mint’s visitor attraction in South Wales through streaming. Fans were invited to a special streaming event with a panel discussion to address queries of the Potterheads. The day was meticulously picked out to be the time when Hogwarts comes back in session for students to learn magic.
The success of the series of coins released can be greatly attributed to the craze Harry Potter has managed to create in the minds of its fans. Multiple derivative works have been representing the expansion of the series but these philosopher’s coins shall be a highlight of the century- making fans reminisce over the iconic story while “Lumos-ing” their hearts.
Avada Kedavra Potterhead's bank accounts!
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