Curator's Cabinet
Find out more about our collection from the people responsible for its care and interpretation.
Collection Stories
Automatic Balance
The automatic balance clearly highlights and represents The Royal Mint’s concern for accuracy and precision.
Collection in Context
The objects in the Museum each represent a stage in the process of transforming a concept into a coin.
Counterfeits and Cautionary Tales
For as long as there have been coins there have been counterfeits.
Writings on the Wall
In 1912 electrotypes were made of the graffiti in the walls of the Tower of London.
Janvier Reducing Machine
In the Museum we have several reducing machines which were once integral to the process of minting.
Demise of the Florin
When the old-sized 10p pieces ceased to be legal tender at the end of June 1993, florins of the former £sd coinage were removed from circulation.
Family History
The Royal Mint Museum has a number of staff records which make it possible for us to assist members of the public in their search for information about their ancestors.
Exhibitions
The Royal Mint Swimming Club
The Royal Mint Swimming Club, had its first committee meeting 120 years ago on 4 August 1897.
Women in the Mint
How did women begin working in coin production and how has their role in the Mint changed over time?
London to Llantrisant Exhibition
Explore a virtual tour of our temporary exhibition celebrating 50 years of the Royal Mint in Wales.
Currency Undercover virtual exhibition
Step into a shadowy underworld where money is used to hide secrets and aid escapes from danger.
Coins
Half-crown
Like the crown, the half-crown was introduced as a gold coin during the reign of Henry VIII.
Halfpenny and Farthing
Halfpennies and farthings become a regular feature of the currency in the 13th century.
The Value of Small Change
It is important not to overlook even small coins in poor condition as they can also tell a fascinating story.
Coins of Uruguay
Coins for Uruguay were first struck at the Royal Mint in 1953, making up an order of almost 250 million pieces.
Coins of Jordan
The Royal Mint has a long relationship with Jordan stretching back to the first national coinage.
Coins of Iceland
The origins of Iceland’s relationship with the Royal Mint may be found in the Second World War.
Fractional Farthings
Fractional farthings were struck in the 19th century but did not remain in circulation for long.
Double Portraits on the Coinage
The first English coins to bear a double portrait were issued during the reign of Mary I.
Medals and Seals
Conserving Wax Seals
Conservator Clare Rowson shares her experiences of a conservation internship at the Royal Mint Museum.
The Making of the Great Seal
In 2000 James Butler, one of the foremost sculptors of his generation was commissioned to design a new Great Seal. Hear the story in his own words.