In a galaxy not so far away, the Royal Mint is set to release a collection of commemorative Star Wars coins, marking the 40th anniversary of the iconic film, Return of The Jedi. This release is the first time characters from the beloved sci-fi franchise will grace official UK coins, making it a milestone event for both Star Wars enthusiasts and coin collectors alike.
The Return of The Jedi, released in 1983, is the third film in the original Star Wars trilogy. It holds a special place in the hearts of fans, marking the culmination of the epic battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. The film’s 40th anniversary is a significant occasion, and the Royal Mint’s commemorative coins are a fitting tribute.
The coin collection will feature iconic characters from the Star Wars universe. The beloved droids, C-3PO and R2-D2, will appear on 50p coins, part of a four-coin collection. Other coins will feature the heroic Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, the villainous Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and the dynamic duo, Han Solo and Chewbacca.
The coins were brought to life by designer Ffion Gwillim, who worked in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company. The Royal Mint’s craftspeople, combining traditional minting techniques with cutting-edge technology, have been able to reproduce R2-D2 and C-3PO in colour for the first time on the coins.
Each coin in the Star Wars collection features a special lenticular feature, which reveals symbols when tilted in the light. The lenticular feature on the first coin in the collection features both Tatooine, the home planet of Luke Skywalker, and the Rebel Alliance “Starbird” logo.
Rebecca Morgan from the Royal Mint expressed her excitement about the launch of the collection. “We are excited to enthuse new and existing coin collectors across the world, as well as Star Wars’ thriving fan base both in the United Kingdom, and internationally, with the launch of this collection. The collection features beloved character duos from the Star Wars franchise, and the team at the Royal Mint have worked to faithfully recreate the iconic R2-D2 and C-3PO, the first Star Wars characters to feature on coins in the collection.
The first coin in the collection, celebrating the characters from Star Wars, will be available to purchase at 9am on the Royal Mint’s website on July 10. This release is not just a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Return of The Jedi, but also a testament to the enduring popularity of the Star Wars franchise. It is a unique opportunity for fans to own a piece of Star Wars history, immortalised in coin form.
In conclusion, the Royal Mint’s Star Wars commemorative coins are a fitting tribute to a franchise that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. They serve as a reminder of the enduring appeal of Star Wars, its memorable characters, and the joy it has brought to audiences over the past four decades. Whether you’re a Star Wars fan, a coin collector, or both, these coins are a unique and valuable addition to any collection.
May the force be with you, and happy collecting!
FAQ:
Q1: What is the Royal Mint releasing to mark the 40th anniversary of Return of The Jedi?
A1: The Royal Mint is releasing a collection of commemorative Star Wars coins to mark the 40th anniversary of Return of The Jedi.
Q2: Which Star Wars characters will feature on the coins?
A2: The coins will feature iconic Star Wars characters including the droids C-3PO and R2-D2, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Han Solo, and Chewbacca.
Q3: Who designed the coins?
A3: The coins were designed by Ffion Gwillim in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company.
Q4: What special feature do the coins have?
A4: Each coin in the Star Wars collection features a special lenticular feature, which reveals symbols when tilted in the light.
Q5: When and where can the Star Wars coins be purchased?
A5: The first coin in the collection will be available to purchase at 9am on the Royal Mint’s website on July 10.
Q6: Are these the first Star Wars characters to feature on coins in the collection?
A6: Yes, this is the first time Star Wars characters have been featured on official UK coins. The first characters to be featured are the iconic droids R2-D2 and C-3PO.
