Coronation of King CharlesIt will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May and the best coronation memorabilia is already flying off the shelves. Those of us who do not intend to go out into the streets for the king's procession will throwstreet festivalsor crowd around the TVs in the living room. There are crown-patterned goblets on the table and a Union Jack pennant in the window. Even more exciting -We have vacations.
What about us Brits and buyingSouvenirs for royal occasions?If anyone can answer that question, it's the name of the woman whose name is synonymous with royal themed gifts, Emma Bridgewater: "We're good at pomp and ceremony. Our down-to-earth sentiments run deep and only emerge at the big bunting break." Fever for a few days. It's a deeply unifying moment. I think the commemorative items are related to that. It's a way to capture that feeling afterwards."
What coronation souvenirs will hold their value?
"Invest in limited-edition items like coins and stamps," says Anita Lo, owner ofClaras Kiste, an online store for vintage fashion and collectibles. “The 50 pence coin minted for thebirthdayit had just over a million in circulation in May and was on eBay for £450. An uncirculated £50 note featuring Queen Elizabeth II has received offers online for more than £10,000.
Will it be a coronation medal for King Carlos III? give?
The King's Coronation Medal is expected to be issued after the coronation. When new monarchs are crowned, a coronation medal is struck and awarded to members of the royal family, selected members of the royal household and state, civil servants, members of the military, mayors, police officers, and other dignitaries. This number is in the thousands, but is not available for purchase.
A commemorative medal of the king's coronation will be available for purchase separately (see below). Sold in support of the Armed Forces charity SSAFA, applications are restricted to those who serve the Crown, for example soldiers and police officers, and their families.
Whether you're a military medal collector or more of an Emma Bridgewater mug lover, we've got the best of King Charles III's coronation memorabilia below. We talked to experts, researched the value, and stayed away from all things cheesy. By the way, if you're wondering about stamps, an official set of Royal Mail Coronation stamps will be announced shortly.
The best memories of the coronation of King Carlos III
1. Royal Mint 1 Ounce Silver Bullion Coin
Royal Mint's Best Coronation Souvenir
No major British event goes by without the Royal Mint producing special edition legal tender coins. This £2 coin made of 999 fine silver (ie 99.9 percent pure) is the first bullion coin to feature King Charles III. It is perhaps the best memory to invest.
"Limited-edition silver and gold coins will hold their value over time," Anita Lo says, though she cautions, "The market is volatile, so it may take a while for the investment to pay off."
Emma Bridgewater adds: “Issuing the Royal Mint is one of my favorite activities. I've always liked the idea that money is really precious."
2. King Charles Coronation Medal
Best coronation medal to buy (conditions apply)
Medal maker AWARD struck this commemorative medal for the Coronation of King Charles in support of the SSAFA Armed Forces Charity. It is available for purchase by current and veterans of the Armed Forces, Emergency Services employees and volunteers, Correctional Service officers and the law enforcement community, and Victoria Cross and George Cross holders. Family members and direct descendants can also apply. TOMiniature version of the medal.it's available to everyone else for £17.50.
The medal represents The Crown, The Orb and The Specter surrounded by the inscription "The Coronation of His Majesty Carlos III" and is dated May 6, 2023.
"There's a niche market for medals and military and collectibles that sell for decent sums at auction," says Anita Lo. However, she cautions that the miniature medal probably won't hold its value since it's mass-produced.
3. Decantador Royal Scot Crystal
The best luxury coronation souvenir
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent to celebrate the coronation with, this Royal Scot Highland Square Crystal Spirit Decanter might be for you. It's perfect for serving that scotch after dinner.
The jug is engraved with the words "King Charles III Coronation 2023" with the King's Royal Cipher in the center. It comes in a satin gold box along with a small commemorative card. Anita confirms that Lo is worth as much as it seems.
"Collectors are looking for rare, limited-edition, vintage, or custom-made pieces," he says. "This is a beautiful example as it is hand carved and made of glass."
"It's very special," adds Emma Bridgewater. “I always say don't make dust collectors – I love the idea of making things that people use.”
4. Jan Constantine Coronation God Save The King Kissen
The best coronation keepsake for housewares
British designer Jan Constantine has long been associated with British memorabilia: she designed official merchandise for the London 2012 Olympic Games, produced a collection for the Queen's Jubilee, and has worked with British brands such as Fortnum, Mason and Pimm's. Hiscoronation collectionIt is handmade with pure wool and hand embroidered with royal motifs.
We especially like this God Save the King pillow, stitched with antique gold on deep navy blue. Anita Lo doubts its value will rise much given the wide availability of similar items, but Emma Bridgewater is a huge Constantine fan. "My whole mission is similar to Jan Constantine's, which is to do useful things," she says. "And I always wish I had more cushions for my porch."
Unsurprisingly, Emma Bridgewater's coronation collection first went on sale in February. "Everyone knew a coronation was coming up," says Emma. "We are selling them at a very good price."
The Bridgewater Ceramics Company was founded in 1985, just one year before Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were married. "Since then, we've thought about every real event in some way," says Emma. "We always know it's going to be big, and we do a lot of things for it."
This special Coronation of King Carlos III 1/2 pint mug is adorned with purple pennants above a crown, lions, and the words "King Carlos."
"Souvenir mugs are always popular and ceramic companies will see a healthy increase in sales," says Anita Lo. “They are perfect for long weekend tea parties and can be used for years to come. It won't increase in value over time, but I'll buy a fun mug to celebrate the special occasion, and maybe some Royal Mint coins."
This Fortnum Musical Coronation Open Top Cookie Jar is just the right side of flavor, playing "God Save the King" while slowly spinning. Inside is a selection of biscuits paying homage to the Commonwealth, including Fijian gingerbread cookies, Scottish Ling heather honey biscuits, South African milk chocolate macadamia nut biscuits and clotted cream biscuits. homegrown. They have all been handmade in Lancashire.
Do our experts agree? "I want to top everything off," says Emma Bridgewater. "I'd like to eat Coronation cookies from Coronation tins and Coronation tea from Coronation mugs."
7. Moët & Chandon Crowning Cuvée
£96 for a Magnum, Clos 19(available from May 1)
Best Coronation Champagne
Moët is one of only six champagne houses to have a Royal Warrant of the Queen. But royal orders are revised after the death of a monarch. So could this particular cuvée, available exclusively from winemaker Clos 19 and bearing the official emblem of Her Majesty's coronation, be a subtle hint to keep her royal bill open? With two crowns in the bottle, it will at least be a curiosity for future generations. If you can resist opening it that long.