United Kingdom. New Concorde Commemorative Coin Marks Half a Century of Supersonic Travel

It on the 29th November 1962 when a treaty was signed between the British and French governments in which they agreed to work together to create an aircraft capable of supersonic flight. The aircraft became one of the greatest engineering feats in aviation history and derived its name from a speech made by French President Charles de Gaulle, in which he referred to the joint project as ‘Concorde’.

Entering service in 1976, Concorde was a slender, tailless aircraft capable of flying at over twice the speed of sound (Mach 2.04). It was the most tested aircraft in history, enduring 5000 hours in total, and remains an icon of aviation. Breaking numerous records, including a remarkable flight from New York to London in 1996 that took less than three hours to complete, Concorde captured the public imagination and became synonymous with a standard of luxury and exceptionality. Concorde’s last scheduled passenger flight occurred on the 24th October 2003, five months after the last scheduled service from Air France. With the last flight, Concorde ended 27 years of outstanding supersonic passenger service.

Created by the graphic design firm design by Osborne Ross, the reverse side of these fifty pence and collector coins features a depiction the aircraft traversing the globe. Polished to create clever reflection and light play, the name of the iconic aircraft CONCORDE boldly appears across the centre of the design, written in block capitals but cleverly positioned on a split-flap departure board. Below the primary design is the commemorative anniversary date 21 JANUARY 1976. The obverse side includes an effigy of HM King Charles III created by engraver Martin Jennings. Both the denomination of 50 PENCE to 100 POUNDS and the year of issue, 2026 is shown as part of the legend surrounding the King’s likeness.

Available from the 13^th January, the Brilliant Uncirculated base metal versions are presented in a blister-pak type folder with informative text and illustrations. Both versions of the sterling silver proof coins are presented in a custom black vinyl case and the gold proof coins are presented in a polished hardwood case – all are accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Mint.