Gold and silver investors have, no doubt, been excited by the remarkable rally that these precious metals have seen. However, collectable gold and silver coins have an additional worth above the intrinsic value of their metal content. They can be worth many multiples of their ‘melt value,’ often rising independently of the spot price.
Here, Solomon Global looks at some of the most noteworthy Royal Mint bullion coin offerings for 2026, including several lion-themed releases that celebrate Britain’s timeless national symbol and Scotland’s most famous monster.
The British Lion and American Eagle 2026 1oz Gold Bullion Coin
The emblematic British Lion and American Eagle have been united for the third time on a British coin with the release of the Lion and Eagle 2026 1oz Gold Bullion Coin. Born from a collaboration with former US Mint Chief Engraver John M. Mercanti, the coin celebrates the strong relationship and enduring alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States with the powerful combination of these iconic creatures – the king of the land and the king of the sky – which symbolise courage, strength, and freedom.
Depicted in quite a different style to previous incarnations, the lion on the reverse of the 2026 issue (designed by Jonathan Olliffe) will delight all collectors and particularly fans of C.S Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia; the beast shows more than a passing resemblance to the mighty Aslan. The obverse features the official coinage portrait of His Majesty King Charles III.
Crafted in 999.9 fine gold, these coins are exempt from Capital Gains Tax in the UK and are highly liquid with a low premium over the gold spot price.
Find out more here: PCGS Certified 2026 Lion and Eagle 1oz Gold Coin
Gold Sovereign ‘Yellow Gold’ Coin 2026
Gold Sovereigns are timeless, instantly recognisable, and highly liquid assets. While the 2026 release maintains its historical heritage, this year’s edition introduces several notable changes, creating something rather different. The 2026 1oz Sovereign returns to its roots and is composed of the traditional yellow gold alloy used from 1817 to 1999, moving away from the rose gold that has been used since 2000.
That’s not all that’s been updated; cutting-edge anti-counterfeiting features have been introduced to make the Sovereign of 2026 one of the most secure bullion coins in the world. The first is microtext on the reverse, where the coin bears the Order of the Garter motto, ‘HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE’. The second is a latent image on the obverse that changes appearance when viewed from different angles, functioning much like a hologram. The coin continues to feature Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the Dragon design on the reverse and Martin Jennings’ uncrowned portrait of King Charles III on the obverse.
The coin is exempt from both VAT and Capital Gains Tax.
Find out more here: Gold Sovereign ‘Yellow Gold’ Coin 2026
1oz Silver Britannia KCIII Coin 2026
Introduced by the Royal Mint in 1987, Britannia coins – featuring the female personification and national symbol of Britain on the reverse and the monarch’s portrait on the obverse – are a perennial favourite amongst collectors and investors. They remain highly collectable due to their historical significance, global recognition, tax efficiency (they are exempt from CGT), innovative security features, and purity.
For collectors and investors who have traditionally opted for gold, silver Britannia coins (made since 1997 following the success of their gold counterpart) provide the opportunity to diversify their portfolio and capitalise on the potential greater upside for silver. They have a limited mintage, which is significantly lower than that of other popular silver coins. The lower price point of silver, compared to gold, makes the tube of 25 Silver Britannia coins or even the Royal Mint monster box containing 500 coins a more cost-effective way of significantly expanding a collection.
Solomon Global offers Silver Britannia coins at a low premium above the silver spot price.
1oz Silver Britannia KCIII Coin 2026
1oz Silver Britannia – Tube of 25 coins 2026
1oz Silver Britannia Coins – Monsterbox (500 Coins) 2026
2026 Legendary Creatures Loch Ness Monster 1oz Gold Coin
Myths and legends have always captivated collectors, and few are bigger, more famous or enduring than Nessie – the Loch Ness Monster, Scotland’s most famous mystery for generations. This coin marks the inaugural release in the Royal Mint’s Legendary Creatures series, and Solomon Global expects it will prove to be very popular.
Limited to only 5,000 coins worldwide, this enchanting 1oz gold coin features Dan Thorne’s imagining of the legendary monster rising magnificently from the loch, with the Scottish Highlands and the ruins of Urquhart Castle completing the striking scene. The obverse bears the official King Charles III portrait by Martin Jennings.
The coin is exempt from both VAT and Capital Gains Tax and is sure to delight numismatists and investors alike.
2026 Legendary Creatures Loch Ness Monster 1oz Gold Coin
Tudor Beast ‘The Queen’s Lion’ 1oz Gold Coin
The Queen’s Lion marks the eighth release in The Royal Mint’s acclaimed and highly collectable The Royal Tudor Beasts series (expected to conclude in 2026).
Inspired by the ten majestic stone beasts that line the Moat Bridge of Hampton Court Palace, the collection represents the lineage of Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour. The series features real and mythical heraldic creatures and honours the powerful symbols of one of the nation’s most influential dynasties.
This coin’s reverse, designed by collection artist David Lawrence, features the Queen’s Lion, holding a shield with Jane Seymour’s badge, which includes a phoenix rising from a castle with Tudor roses and a crowned hawthorn tree. The obverse features the official coinage portrait of His Majesty King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings. The coin is struck in 1 troy oz of 999.9 fine gold and incorporates advanced surface animation technology for enhanced security and visual appeal. Solomon Global offers this coin alongside the previous seven releases, all of which are exempt from CGT and VAT in the UK.
PCGS Certified 2026 Tudor Beast The Queen’s Lion 1oz Gold Coin
Coming soon, the British Lion Gold Bullion 1oz Gold Coin – 2026
Last year, the Royal Mint launched a brand-new bullion coin series featuring one of Britain’s most recognisable national symbols. The inaugural release marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for numismatists and investors and proved hugely popular with Solomon Global clients. Now, the second issue of the range is scheduled to be released, and again, just 5,000 coins will be available worldwide.
The reverse of this highly limited coin, inscribed with ‘Leo Britannicus,’ depicts the heraldic lion. The design, by David Lawrence, includes a Union Flag surface animation. In addition to its striking visual effect, this feature will provide an advanced layer of security. The obverse will display the portrait of King Charles III by acclaimed sculptor Martin Jennings.
What else should you know about gold and silver bullion coins? While the Royal Mint typically sells bullion coins in ungraded form, Solomon Global offers a range of professionally certified coins, graded by the highly respected Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and sealed in tamper-proof holders. Independent grading provides reassurance on authenticity and condition, with certified coins often commanding a premium.
Find out more about grading and PCGS Certified Coins.