Birth year coin sets: genuine British coins from a single year
FAQs
What is a birth year coin set?
What is a birth year coin set?
Our coin sets are a group of genuine British coins, all minted in the same year. They're the ordinary coins people spent at the time, not commemorative pieces made to look old. Most are chosen for a birth year, though they work just as well for an anniversary or any year worth celebrating.
Which years can I buy?
Which years can I buy?
Our sets run mainly from 1947 to 1967, the last of the pre-decimal coinage. Whatever we hold today is on this page, and the search box will take you straight to a year if you have one in mind.
Why do sets from different years contain different coins?
Why do sets from different years contain different coins?
The Royal Mint didn't strike every denomination every year, so what's included changes as you move through the period. The farthing is the clearest example, last struck in 1956, so later sets can't contain one. Each listing names the coins you'll receive for that year.
Are the coins silver?
Are the coins silver?
They aren't silver in this period. British silver coinage ended in 1946, and from 1947 the shilling, florin and half crown were struck in cupronickel instead, a change made to help repay the country's wartime debt. They still look like silver, which is why we're asked this so regularly.
What condition are the coins in?
What condition are the coins in?
These are original coins from the year of the set, so they may have some small imperfections after years in circulation. We don't clean them, in order to keep the authenticity of their history.
How does the set arrive?
How does the set arrive?
The coins arrive in a protective sleeve so nothing moves about in the post, with an organza bag included for safe keeping. If you'd rather they were on display, our mounted coin sets and framed year sets present the same coins ready to show.
Do these make a good gift?
Do these make a good gift?
Yes. The coins are from the year being marked, which makes the gift personal. For anyone old enough to remember pre-decimal money there is real nostalgia in them, and collectors value a complete year in its own right.
Can you make up a year that isn't listed?
Can you make up a year that isn't listed?
Send us a message with the year you need. We build sets up as the right coins come in, so a year that isn't showing today can usually be put together, and we'll tell you honestly if it's going to be difficult.
How quickly do you dispatch, and do you ship abroad?
How quickly do you dispatch, and do you ship abroad?
Orders placed before midday on a working day are usually dispatched the same day. Standard UK delivery is tracked 48, with a tracked 24 upgrade at checkout for a small extra charge. We ship worldwide, and UK delivery is free over £50.