Supersonic silver: Concorde takes flight again...
Some machines transcend their purpose and become symbols of an era. Concorde was one of them. Sleek, unapologetically futuristic, and forever associated with British engineering brilliance, it represented a moment in time when speed, ambition, and innovation mattered more than compromise. Now, that legacy has been captured in silver with the Royal Mint’s latest release — the 2026 Concorde UK 50p Silver Proof Coin.
This coin marks 50 years since Concorde’s first commercial flight, a milestone that feels entirely worthy of commemoration in precious metal. Struck in .925 sterling silver and finished to a flawless proof standard, this is not a circulating curiosity or a novelty piece — it is a serious collector’s coin, limited to just 3,500 examples worldwide. Scarcity alone makes it noteworthy, but it’s the story behind the metal that truly elevates it.
The reverse design, created by Osborne Ross, is inspired and instantly evocative. Concorde is shown mid-flight, cutting through the air as it once cut through the boundaries of aviation. Across the centre runs the word CONCORDE, cleverly styled like a split-flap departure board — a small design choice that quietly transports you back to the golden age of air travel, when airports felt glamorous and supersonic flight felt almost unreal. It’s modern, nostalgic, and unmistakably British.
What also makes this release particularly special is the collaboration behind it. Produced in partnership with British Airways and Airbus, this is the first officially licensed UK legal tender coin to celebrate Concorde. That alone gives it historical weight. It’s not just commemorating an aircraft — it’s recognising a joint achievement of engineering, ambition, and national pride.
From a precious metals perspective, this coin sits in that sweet spot where silver, history, and limited mintage intersect. At 8 grams of sterling silver, no one is pretending this is bullion stacking — this is about premium, craftsmanship, and collectability. Coins like this often appeal to multiple audiences: silver collectors, aviation enthusiasts, Royal Mint followers, and those who appreciate objects that tell a story beyond their intrinsic metal value.
The presentation completes the package. The coin is housed in Royal Mint packaging that walks the owner through Concorde’s journey, from its bold creation to its final retirement in 2003. It’s the kind of piece that invites you to slow down, open the booklet, and reflect — not just store it away and forget about it.
Priced at £79.95, the Concorde 50p Silver Proof feels like a fitting tribute rather than an opportunistic release. It captures a moment when the future looked fast, elegant, and impossibly optimistic — all preserved now in silver.
For collectors who appreciate British history struck in precious metal, this release isn’t just about Concorde. It’s about remembering a time when we dared to fly faster than sound — and celebrating that achievement in a way that will endure far longer than the aircraft itself ever could.
