New Commemorative Coins

A Centenary Since the Discovery of King Tutankhamun

Several mints have released commemorative coins to mark the centennial of the discovery and opening of the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Although the tomb was discovered on 4 November 1922, the opening of the Burial Chamber did not occur until 16 February 1923, and so mints had the choice of two anniversaries to commemorate.

The Royal Mint marked the former with the release of a £5 coin last year that depicts a side profile of Tutankhamun’s iconic gold mask on the reverse. Designed by product designer Laura Clancy, the Mint continues to offer the 2022 coins struck with the effigy of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Pobjoy Mint also marked the discovery of the tomb with the release of a unique pyramid shaped $1 coin on behalf of Sierra Leone last year. The coin also depicts the mask but from a forward-facing viewpoint in colour. The obverse features the Coat of Arms of Sierra Leone surrounded by hieroglyphics.