The landmarks of Britain: Why collectors are chasing this iconic 1oz silver coin series
The world of silver bullion is packed with standard investment coins, but few collections manage to bridge the gap between pure precious metal and breathtaking architectural artistry quite like the Landmarks of Britain series. Issued by The Royal Mint between 2017 and 2019, this exclusive four-coin collection has become a modern classic among numismatists and investors alike. Struck in one troy ounce of 999 fine silver, these coins offer far more than just intrinsic metal value; they capture the very soul of London’s historic skyline.
What sets this series apart is its meticulous design process, led by acclaimed mint artists Laura Clancy and Glyn Davies. Rather than relying on standard, flat depictions, the artists utilized contemporary, stylized perspectives that make the structures feel alive. The journey began in 2017 with the iconic Elizabeth Tower, universally known as Big Ben. This was followed by the architectural marvel of Tower Bridge and the historic grandeur of Trafalgar Square in 2018, before concluding in 2019 with a majestic view of Buckingham Palace as seen from The Mall. Each design uses clever depth and angling, turning a pocket-sized piece of silver into a sweeping cityscape.
Beyond their visual appeal, these 1oz silver coins hold a massive advantage for British investors: they are legal tender. Carrying a face value of £2, every coin in the Landmarks of Britain series is officially exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the United Kingdom. This means that if the value of silver skyrockets, or if the collector premium spikes, UK residents can sell their coins and pocket 100% of the profits without owing a single penny to the taxman. For those looking to protect their wealth with tangible assets, this tax-free status makes them incredibly high-utility investment pieces.
While the tax benefits appeal to the head, the strict mintage numbers appeal directly to the heart of collectors. The Royal Mint capped the production of each design at just 50,000 coins worldwide. Because the series concluded in 2019, these beautiful pieces are no longer available directly from the mint. Finding them today requires hunting through the secondary market, auction sites, or specialist bullion dealers. As the years pass, complete, pristine sets of all four coins are becoming increasingly rare and highly sought after, driving up their numismatic premium well above the spot price of silver.
Whether you are a seasoned stacker looking to diversify your portfolio with tax-exempt bullion, or a history buff captivated by British heritage, the Landmarks of Britain series is a must-have. They represent a brief but brilliant moment where modern minting technology, legal tax incentives, and timeless artistry perfectly aligned. If you happen to spot one of these 1oz silver landmarks on the secondary market, snap it up quickly—opportunities to own a piece of Britain’s minted history do not last long.
