Yahoo News What are the best King Charles III Coronation memorabilia to buy now?
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King Charles' Coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May and the best coronation memorabilia is already flying off the shelves. Those of us who don't plan on lining the streets for the King's Procession will be throwing street parties or crowding around living room TVs. There'll be coronation-themed mugs on the table and union jack bunting in the window. Even more excitingly – we get a bank holiday.
What is it about us Brits and buying souvenirs to mark royal occasions? If anyone can answer that question, it's the woman who's name is synonymous with royal themed gifts, Emma Bridgewater: "We are good at pomp and ceremony. Our royalist feelings run deep and they only come to the surface in the magnificent interruption of bunting fever for a few days. It's a deeply unifying moment. I think commemorative wares are linked to that. It's a way of holding onto that feeling afterwards."
Which Coronation souvenirs will hold their value?
"Invest in limited edition merchandise such as coins and stamps," says Anita Lo, owner of Clara's Box, an online store selling vintage fashion and collectibles. "The 50p coin minted for the Jubilee had just over one million in circulation in May and has been listed on eBay for £450. An uncirculated £50 note featuring Queen Elizabeth II received bids for more than £10,000 online."
Will there be a King Charles III coronation medal?
The King's coronation medal is expected to be issued after the coronation. When new monarchs are crowned, a coronation medal is struck to give to members of the royal family, selected members of the royal household and state, public servants, members of the army, mayors, police and other worthies. These number in the thousands, but are not available to buy.
A separate Commemorative King's Coronation Medal (see below) will be available to buy. Sold in support of the armed forces charity SSAFA, applications are restricted to those who serve the crown – for example, soldiers and policemen – and their families.
Whether you're a military medal collector or more of an Emma Bridgewater mug enthusiast, we've ranked the best King Charles III coronation memorabilia below. We've spoken to experts, researched value and stayed away from all things tacky.
The best King Charles III Coronation Memorabilia
1. Royal Mint 1oz Silver Bullion Coin
Best Royal Mint coronation souvenir
No great British event passes without the Royal Mint producing special editions of legal tender coins. This two pound coin, made from 999 fine silver (ie, 99.9 per cent pure) is the first bullion coin to feature King Charles III. It may well be the best memento to invest in.
"Limited edition coins in silver and gold will maintain their value over time," says Anita Lo, although she warns, "The market does fluctuate, so it might take a while to make a return on investment."
Emma Bridgewater adds, "Royal Mint issue is one of my very favourite things. I always quite liked the idea that they were money that was really precious."
£27
Price at
Royal Mint
2. King Charles Coronation Medal
Best coronation medal to buy (conditions apply)
Medal manufacturers AWARD have struck this commemorative King Charles coronation medal in support of the armed forces charity SSAFA. It can be bought by veterans and current members of the armed forces, emergency services staff and volunteers, prison service and police community support officers, as well as holders of the Victoria Cross and George Cross. Next of kin and direct descendants can also apply. A miniature version of the medal is available to everyone else for £17.50.
The medal features The Crown, The Orb and The Spectre surrounded by the wording 'The Coronation of His Majesty Charles III' and dated 6th May 2023.
"There is a niche market for medals and militaria and collections sell for decent sums at auction," says Anita Lo. However, she warns the miniature medal is unlikely to hold its value so well, since it is mass produced.
£60
Price at
Award Medals
3. Royal Scot Crystal Spirit Decanter
Best luxury coronation souvenir
If you're looking for something a bit more indulgent to mark the coronation, this Highland Square Crystal Spirit Decanter by Royal Scot might do the trick. It's perfect for serving that post-dinner scotch.
The decanter is engraved with the words 'King Charles III Coronation 2023', with the King's royal cypher in the middle. It is presented in a gold box with satin lining, alongside a small commemorative card. Anita Lo confirms it's worth as much as it looks.
"Collectors look for rare examples that are limited edition, antique or bespoke," she says. "This is a lovely example as it is hand cut and made of crystal."
"It's a very special one," adds Emma Bridgewater. "I always say you shouldn't make dust gatherers: I love the idea of making things that people use."
£175
Price at
Royal Scot Crystal
4. Jan Constantine Coronation God Save The King Cushion
Best homeware coronation souvenir
British designer Jan Constantine has long been associated with British memorabilia: she made official goods for the London Olympics in 2012, produced a collection for the Queen's Jubilee and has collaborated with British brands including Fortnum and Mason and Pimm's. Her Coronation Collection is handmade from pure wool and hand-embroidered with royal motifs.
We particularly like this 'God Save the King' cushion, stitched with antique gold on deep navy blue. Anita Lo doubts its value will increase much, because similar items are widely available, but Emma Bridgewater is very much a Constantine fan. "My whole mission is similar to Jan Constantine's, and that's to make useful things," she says. "And I'd always like more cushions for my veranda."
£125
Price at
Jan Constantine
5. Emma Bridgewater Coronation Mug
Best coronation mug souvenir
Predictably ahead of the game, Emma Bridgewater's coronation collection first went on sale in February. "Everyone knew there was a coronation coming," Emma says. "We're selling them at a great rate."
Bridgewater's ceramics company was founded in 1985, just a year before the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. "Every royal event since then, we have commemorated in some way," Emma says. "We always know it's going to be big and we make a lot of stock for it."
This particular King Charles III Coronation 1/2 Pint Mug is adorned with purple bunting above a crown, lions and the words 'King Charles'.
"Souvenir mugs are always popular and pottery firms will see a healthy boost in sales," Anita Lo says. "They're perfect for tea parties over the long weekend and they can continue to be used for years to come.They will not accrue value over time, but I'll be buying a fun mug to mark the special occasion – as well as perhaps some coins from the Royal Mint."
£23
Price at
Emma Bridgewater
6. Fortnum's Musical Coronation Tin
Best novelty coronation gift
Just the right side of tasteful, this wind-up Fortnum Musical Coronation Biscuit Tin plays 'God Save the King' as it slowly revolves. Inside is a selection of biscuits paying tribute to the Commonwealth including Fijian Ginger Biscuits, Scottish Ling Heather Honey Biscuits, South African Milk Chocolate Macadamia Nut Biscuits and homegrown Clotted Cream biscuits. All have been handmade in Lancashire.
Do our experts approve? "I'd like coronation everything," says Emma Bridgewater. "I'd like to be eating coronation biscuits out of coronation tins and coronation tea out of coronation mugs."
£35
Price at
Fortnum & Mason
