Great Britain 2018 Proof Set

The Great Britain 2018 Proof Set is a beautifully crafted collection from the Royal Mint, offering collectors an impressive assembly of the year’s circulating coinage alongside several remarkable commemorative issues, all struck in brilliant proof quality. This set reflects the exceptional artistry, technical precision, and rich heritage of British coinage, making it a centerpiece for modern numismatics and a sought-after addition to any collection celebrating British history and culture.

The 2018 proof set includes thirteen coins: the standard circulating £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p, alongside five commemorative coins. Among the commemoratives are the £5 crown celebrating the 65th wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, two £2 coins marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force and the end of the First World War, and two 50p coins commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act and the iconic children’s character, Paddington Bear. This diverse lineup makes the 2018 set particularly exciting for collectors, combining royal milestones, military history, social progress, and beloved cultural figures.

The obverse of each coin features the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark and introduced in 2015. This modern and elegant effigy shows the Queen facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem, surrounded by the legend “ELIZABETH II D·G·REG·F·D” and the year of issue. In proof condition, the portrait is struck with exquisite detail, with frosted reliefs against polished mirror-like backgrounds that create the classic cameo effect so prized by collectors.

The reverse designs of the 2018 set are especially noteworthy and rich in symbolism:

• £5 crown: Designed by Etienne Millner, featuring intertwined portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, celebrating their remarkable 65 years of marriage—a milestone unmatched in British royal history.
• £2 (Royal Air Force centenary): Designed by Rhys Morgan, depicting a bold RAF badge with wings outstretched, commemorating 100 years of the Royal Air Force’s service and sacrifice.
• £2 (First World War Armistice centenary): Designed by Stephen Raw, featuring the word “ARMISTICE” in a stylized arrangement symbolizing reflection and remembrance of the war’s end in 1918.
• 50p (Representation of the People Act centenary): Designed by Stephen Taylor, showing a crowd of people casting votes, celebrating the landmark 1918 law that granted voting rights to women over 30 and all men over 21.
• 50p (Paddington Bear at Paddington Station): Designed by David Knapton, depicting the beloved bear in his duffle coat and hat, standing by a suitcase at Paddington Station—a joyful addition that brings a touch of British pop culture charm to the set.
• £2 standard coin: Bruce Rushin’s enduring design of concentric rings representing technological progress, with the edge inscription “STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS.”
• 12-sided £1 coin: Designed by David Pearce, showing the floral emblems of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland emanating from a single stem, symbolizing the unity of the UK nations.
• Standard 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p coins: Featuring Matthew Dent’s unified Royal Shield design, which assembles across the coins to form the full shield when placed together.

All coins are struck in their standard circulating alloys—bi-metallic for the £2 and £1, cupronickel for silver-colored coins, and copper-plated steel for the 1p and 2p—but the proof striking elevates their presentation with razor-sharp detail, flawless surfaces, and a deeply polished mirror finish. The Royal Mint’s multi-strike process on specially prepared blanks results in stunning visual contrast and superior craftsmanship that set proof coins apart from ordinary circulation issues.

The 2018 proof set is housed in an elegant Royal Mint-branded display case with a protective acrylic capsule to showcase and preserve the coins. Accompanying the set is a certificate of authenticity and an informative booklet detailing the historical background, design inspirations, and technical specifications of each coin. Sets that remain complete with original packaging and documentation are especially prized by collectors and retain strong market value over time.

With limited mintage, the 2018 Proof Set offers scarcity that increases its collectibility, particularly given its array of popular themes. Collectors appreciate the blend of royal, military, social, and cultural commemoratives, which make the set not only visually diverse but also rich in historical significance. The inclusion of the first Paddington Bear 50p—launching a series that would become a fan favorite—further enhances its appeal to both numismatists and casual collectors alike.

Condition-wise, proof sets from this period are expected to be in flawless or near-flawless state if properly stored, exhibiting brilliant mirrored fields, crisply frosted devices, and no haze, toning, or handling marks. Coins submitted for professional grading often achieve high ratings such as PF68 or PF69, reflecting the Royal Mint’s high-quality standards and collectors’ meticulous care.

This set appeals to a wide range of collectors, including those interested in royal commemoratives, military history, social progress, literary and cultural icons, and full annual proof runs. It also makes an ideal gift or heirloom, serving as a beautifully crafted tribute to Britain’s past, present, and future as reflected through the art of coinage.

In summary, the Great Britain 2018 Proof Set is a richly varied, beautifully executed collection that celebrates some of the most important milestones and cultural touchstones of the nation. With its superb proof finish, diverse themes, limited mintage, and elegant presentation, it remains a prized addition to modern British numismatics and a lasting symbol of the nation’s heritage and innovation.

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• Year: 2018
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