HMS Beagle Gilded Silver Proof 2026

HMS Beagle £2 Gold-Plated Silver Coin 2026 Proof is a collector issue prepared by The Royal Mint, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the first voyage of the famous research vessel HMS Beagle. This ship played a key role in the history of science, particularly thanks to Charles Darwin’s journey, which contributed to the development of the theory of evolution.

The coin is struck from Ag 925 silver, with a weight of 12.00 g and a diameter of 28.40 mm. The outer ring has been additionally gold-plated, giving the piece an elegant and prestigious appearance. The issue is produced to Proof standard, providing a mirror-like field and sharp relief. The face value is 2 British pounds (£2), and the mintage is limited to 2,000 pieces.

The design was created in cooperation with Royal Museums Greenwich, underscoring its historical and educational character.

The obverse, by Martin Jennings, features the official portrait of King Charles III, along with the denomination and the year of issue 2026.

The reverse, designed by William Webb, depicts the HMS Beagle surrounded by a ring with motifs of animals observed by Darwin during his journey. The coin’s edge bears the inscription “THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE”, referring to the historic expedition.

The combination of silver, gold-plating, and rich symbolism makes this coin an attractive choice for collectors of historical issues and lovers of science.