The new 2026 Aardman 50p silver proof drops at the Royal Mint

The Royal Mint has officially released the 50 Years of Aardman 2026 UK 50p Silver Proof Colour Coin, marking five decades since the famous British animation studio was founded in 1976. For precious metals collectors tracking low-mintage sovereign releases, this coin is struck in 8.00 grams of .925 sterling silver with a diameter of 27.30mm. The core metric to note here is the scarcity: the mint has set a strict Limited Edition Presentation of just 5,000 coins for this specific coloured silver proof version.

The reverse features selective color-printed details highlighting a crowded lineup of the studio's iconic claymation characters, including Wallace, Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Morph, and the villainous Feathers McGraw. The design was developed in direct collaboration with Aardman Animations to ensure character accuracy. On the obverse, the coin carries the official definitive coinage portrait of King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings.

From a stacking and numismatic perspective, the coin is priced at £92.50 directly from the mint and arrives in an official display block with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Because these are legal tender UK coins, they qualify as Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exempt for UK residents, which often adds a secondary market premium among British stackers. This silver proof version is currently available to order on The Royal Mint's Official Shop