The Royal Mint Unveils First Coin in ‘Star Wars’ Collection

The Royal Mint has unveiled the first coin design in its new “Star Wars” collection globally as part of a coin reveal event from its visitor attraction, The Royal Mint Experience, in Llantrisant, South Wales.

This is the first time the characters of the original “Star Wars” trilogy will feature on official U.K. coins, including the nation’s most collectible coin, the 50p, with images of R2-D2 and C-3PO being the first to feature as part of the four-coin collection. Both characters are seen inside the Millennium Falcon.

Other coins in the collection will feature Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia and Han Solo and Chewbacca.

The Royal Mint’s “Star Wars” collection offers an original twist for avid Star Wars enthusiasts to expand their dedicated memorabilia collection.

Seasoned coin designer, Ffion Gwillim, worked in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company. Combining traditional minting techniques with cutting-edge technology, The Royal Mint’s craftspeople have reproduced R2-D2 and C-3PO characters in color for the first time on official U.K. coins.

Each coin in the “Star Wars” Commemorative Coin Collection features a lenticular feature, which tilts in the light to reveal symbols. The lenticular feature on the collection’s first coin features Tatooine and the Rebel Alliance Starbird logo. The Royal Mint used an advanced picosecond laser to imprint the intricate design onto coin-making tools to ensure accuracy and create an additional, special effect to enhance the coin’s design. Adding it to the “Star Wars” collection will introduce new audiences to The Royal Mint’s specialized striking techniques. The only exception is the quarter-ounce gold, which has a static image in place of the lenticular feature.

“We are delighted to launch an out-of-this-world collection to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ‘Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,’” says Rebecca Morgan, director, collector services, The Royal Mint. “We are excited to enthuse new and existing coin collectors across the world, as well as ‘Star Wars’ thriving fan base both in the United Kingdom and internationally, with the launch of this collection. The collection features beloved character duos from the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, and the team at The Royal Mint have worked to faithfully recreate the iconic R2-D2 and C-3PO, the first ‘Star Wars’ characters to feature on coins in the collection.”

The first coin in the collection celebrating the characters from “Star Wars” will be available July 10 at 9 a.m. BST via The Royal Mint’s website. Customers will also be able to secure all four coins on the official launch day.