Great Britain 2014 Proof Set Commemorative Edition

The Great Britain 2014 Proof Set Commemorative Edition is a beautifully assembled and highly collectible release from the Royal Mint, offering a complete collection of the year’s circulating coinage alongside a remarkable lineup of commemorative coins. Struck in brilliant proof quality, this set reflects the Royal Mint’s long tradition of excellence, blending flawless artistry with national history and pride. The 2014 Commemorative Edition is particularly valued for its combination of standard circulating coins and historic tributes, making it a centerpiece for collectors of modern British numismatics.

The 2014 Commemorative Edition includes a total of fourteen coins: the standard £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p; the bi-metallic £2; and a range of special commemoratives including the £5 crown for the first birthday of Prince George, two £2 coins honoring the outbreak of World War I and the 500th anniversary of Trinity House, and two £1 coins representing the floral emblems of Scotland and Northern Ireland. This diverse mix of coins provides a rich narrative of Britain’s royal milestones, maritime legacy, military history, and national identity.

The obverse of each coin features the fourth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley and used from 1998 to 2015. The effigy presents the Queen facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, encircled by the legend “ELIZABETH II D·G·REG·F·D” along with the denomination or year. In proof format, the Queen’s portrait is rendered in sharp frosted relief against polished, mirror-like fields, a hallmark of the Royal Mint’s precision proof striking process.

The reverse designs of the 2014 set stand out for their exceptional artistry and historical significance:

• £5 crown: A tribute to the first birthday of Prince George of Cambridge, designed by John Bergdahl, featuring a heraldic royal arms motif symbolizing the continuity of the monarchy.
• £2 coin (World War I centenary): Designed by John Bergdahl, depicting the iconic image of Lord Kitchener and the famous recruitment slogan “YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU,” marking the centenary of Britain’s entry into World War I.
• £2 coin (Trinity House 500th anniversary): Designed by Joe Whitlock Blundell and David Eccles, showing a lighthouse and ship, celebrating five centuries of the maritime safety organization’s vital role.
• £2 standard coin: Bruce Rushin’s celebrated technological progress design, with concentric rings symbolizing innovation across the ages.
• £1 (Scotland floral emblem): Timothy Noad’s elegant thistle design, representing Scottish pride and identity.
• £1 (Northern Ireland floral emblem): Timothy Noad’s flax plant design, symbolizing Northern Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage.
• 50p (standard): Christopher Ironside’s seated Britannia beside a lion, symbolizing strength and resilience.
• 20p: The crowned Tudor rose.
• 10p: A crowned lion.
• 5p: A crowned Scottish thistle.
• 2p: The Badge of the Prince of Wales with feathers.
• 1p: The crowned portcullis, emblem of the Houses of Parliament.

All coins are struck in their standard circulating metals—bi-metallic for the £2, nickel-brass for the £1, cupronickel for the silver-colored denominations, and copper-plated steel for the 1p and 2p—but the proof finish transforms these materials into miniature works of art. The Royal Mint’s meticulous process, involving multiple strikes on specially prepared blanks with polished dies, results in sharply defined details and the brilliant cameo contrast collectors cherish.

The 2014 Commemorative Edition proof set is presented in a luxurious Royal Mint-branded case, with an acrylic display capsule to protect and showcase the coins. The set is accompanied by an informative booklet detailing the historical background, design inspiration, and technical specifications of each coin, along with a certificate of authenticity. Collectors place a premium on sets that retain all original packaging and documentation, as these enhance both display appeal and long-term market value.

The mintage of the 2014 Commemorative Edition was limited, adding an element of scarcity and exclusivity that enhances its desirability among collectors. The inclusion of commemorative coins marking the centenary of World War I, the anniversary of Trinity House, and the milestone of Prince George’s first birthday ensures that the set is rich in cultural and historical meaning, making it a vital acquisition for those interested in royal memorabilia, military history, and maritime heritage.

Condition-wise, collectors expect flawless or near-flawless surfaces, with sharp strike quality, brilliant mirrored fields, and no haze, toning, or contact marks. When submitted for professional grading, these sets often achieve high designations such as PF68 or PF69, reflecting both the Royal Mint’s superior quality control and the care collectors have taken to preserve them over time.

This set appeals to a wide range of collectors, from those focused on British royal commemoratives and military tributes to those assembling complete annual proof runs. It also makes an ideal gift or keepsake for anyone interested in British history, offering a compact and elegant tribute to the events and institutions that have shaped the nation.

In conclusion, the Great Britain 2014 Proof Set Commemorative Edition is a masterful collection that blends beauty, history, and artistry. With its exceptional proof finish, diverse range of themes, limited mintage, and luxurious presentation, it remains a prized highlight in modern British numismatics, celebrating the nation’s past, present, and future through the enduring art of coinage.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 2014
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Grade: N/A