The new 2026 George and the Dragon commemorative coin


The Royal Mint's 2026 release of the St George and the Dragon bullion coins marks a significant milestone in British numismatic history, celebrating the 500th anniversary of the patron saint's first appearance on English currency. This third entry in the legendary collection bridges centuries of tradition, tracing its lineage back to the 1526 George noble issued under Henry VIII. The 2026 edition continues to symbolise the timeless struggle of good over evil, offering a contemporary take on a theme that has defined generations of British coinage.

For this specific anniversary year, the Royal Mint commissioned designer Sandra Deiana to create a brand-new interpretation of the iconic scene. Her dynamic portrayal captures St George on horseback in a moment of striking intensity, poised with a raised spear above the dragon. The reverse design is enriched with a textured background and an inscription—Tali dicata signo mens fluctuari nequit—drawn from the original 1526 noble, which translates to "consecrated by such a sign the mind cannot waver".


The range is available in both gold and silver formats, catering to both high-end collectors and bullion investors. The gold editions are struck in 999.9 fine gold, with the 1oz version carrying a face value of £100. The silver coins are minted in 1oz of 999 fine silver with a face value of £2. Both metals are produced to the Royal Mint's rigorous bullion standards, featuring advanced micro-text for enhanced security and authenticity.

Beyond their artistic value, these 2026 coins offer distinct financial benefits for UK residents. Because they are considered official British legal tender, they are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Additionally, the gold versions are VAT-free, making them an efficient option for those looking to diversify their investment portfolios with physical precious metals.