Looking for a Valentine's Day gift for your coin-collector partner but not sure where to start? Buying presents for people that take their hobbies seriously can be tricky. That's why we've put together a list of fool-proof gift ideas for the numismatist in your life, guaranteed to go down a treat with anyone who loves coins.
Romantic Gifts For Coin Collectors
Coin's aren't your typical Valentine's Day gift these days but in the past they were a popular way to show affection.
Gold and silver coins have been given as love tokens since as far back as Roman times. Damaging or defacing coins was a treasonable offence but some took the risk of bending or inscribing coins with names, promises or declarations. The receiver might have chosen to wear their special coin as jewellery, having it set into a ring or made into a brooch to keep the coin close to their heart.
If a token was rejected the giver might discard the coin: that's why mudlarkers find so many old bent coins on riverbanks, likely cast into the water by disappointed lovers.
Coins are also part of marriage customs in countries across the world. In the UK it's tradition for a bride to carry a silver Sixpence in her shoe to bring luck, alongside something borrowed and something blue. Elsewhere in the world, wedding guests use coins instead of confetti or gift the couple money to ensure prosperity.
Top Five Gifts For Coin Collectors In 2023
Coins can make for a romantic gift but how do you know what to buy? There's lots of choice and coin collectors can be picky (we'd know!).
Here's our top five buys that no UK coin collector will say no to in 2023.
1. 22-Carat Gold Sovereigns
Even if they're an avid Sovereign collector already, your valentine wont turn down another. These prestigious British coins are made from 7.98 grams of 22-carat gold and boast a heritage that stretches back to Tudor times. Their gold content means that these coins are VAT free while their status and UK legal tender ensures that they are exempt from Capital Gains Tax.
Sovereigns are issued annually by The Royal Mint so it's easy to pick up a coin from a significant year. The most economical options are 'bullion' Sovereigns but limited edition 'proof' coins are also available in presentation boxes: perfect for gifting. 
These new 2022 Sovereigns ar ethe first to feature a portrait of King Charles II, paired with a special design celebrating the late Queen Elizabeth II. We've currently got this limited proof edition available now for £675.00.
2. Pop Culture Collectors Coins
Outside of coins, what is your loved one passionate about? Rugby? WW2 history? Trains?
If your valentine is fan, there's likely a collectible coin on the market that celebrates their interests, regardless of how niche they are. A quick search of our website will turn up commemorative coins with unique designs, celebrating history, culture, sport, movies and literature.
Some of our favourites include:
- Harry Potter: These new coins from the UK's national mint were released to celebrate 25 years since the publication of the first magical book
- Innovation In Science: This collection features famous British scientists and their inventions - perfect for the scientist in your life
- Music Legends: Fans of Elton John, David Bowie, Queen, The Who and The Rolling Stones can now get legal tender coins featuring these iconic UK acts
You'll find that these modern coins are available in a range of finishes from entry-level 'brilliant uncirculated' pieces through to fine gold and silver editions with options suitable for all budgets. 
The first coin in the Harry Potter collection features the boy wizard himself, seen here on a colour-printed silver proof coin in a special display block.
3. Premium Modern Sixpences
If you're looking for a traditional Valentine's Day present then look no further than the new Sixpences from The Royal Mint. These 22-carat proof coins have been designed as premium gifts, suitable for weddings, anniversaries and 14th February.
First issued in 2016, these new Sixpences feature a fresh, floral design by renowned coin artist John Bergdahl and come in sterling silver and gold. These coins are intended for display rather than circulation and are offered in a high-end presentation case, ready to wrap.
We also stock old silver Sixpences in bulk if you think your valentine would like a few hundred of them!
This beautiful 2021 rose-gold Sixpence coin makes a great Valentine's day gift or a wedding present.
4. Anniversary Year Coin Sets
Every year The Royal Mint issues a range of coin sets featuring regular and commemorative coins with a single date. These 'annual sets' include a range of denominations, providing a snapshot of that nation's coinage at a particular time. You can find annual sets in a range of finishes including 'brilliant uncirculated' and 'proof' in addition to scarce precious metal options. Similar sets are available from other national mints too including the US and Europe.
We stock lots of older annual sets. You could pick out a set from the year you met or your valentine's birth year for a meaningful gift. Alternatively, choose a limited edition 2023 commemorative set, packed with the newest UK coins.
This 2023 annual premium proof set comes in a stylish wooden display case. Brilliant uncirculated, collector's proof, silver, silver piedfort, gold and platinum 2023 sets are also available.
5. Something Different
Lots of coin collectors stick to a single niche area. Within their niche they probably know exactly what they have, what they want and what the rarities are. Why not think outside the box and choose something completely different for Valentine’s Day.
If they're a change checker with a penchant for 50ps then why not have a look at our old silver coins - great for sorting through for rarities and learning about historic coinage as well as a savvy way to invest in precious metal.
If they like British hammered coins they might like to branch out into older Roman coins. We'd recommend our best-value Severan dynasty Denari: available for a very affordable price for such old coins.
Collectors of brilliant uncirculated coins might like an upgrade to a limited edition proof piece. If you know their favourite design then have a scout around for silver and gold versions for a truly special valentines gift.
Coin Recommendations From The Experts
Looking for more ideas? Call or message us for a custom recommendation. Our friendly team are happy to suggest gift ideas for coin collectors based on their interests and your budget. Get in touch now for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the past, people used engraved coins to show their love on Valentine’s Day, presenting the object of their affections with a love token, inscribed with names, promises or declarations.
Jewellery, chocolates and flowers are fool proof gifts for Valentine's Day but in the past people may have given each other love tokens made from coins engraved with names.
Gold Sovereigns make a great gift for any occasion, including Valentine's Day. These prestigious British coins are made from 22-carat gold and feature beautiful designs.
Sixpences might be the most romantic coin. These tiny British silver coins are though to bring luck. Brides traditionally wear a Sixpence in their shoe on their wedding day, along with something borrowed and something blue.
Annual sets make a great gift for coin collectors. These sets feature the key coins issued in a given year. New sets are always sought after by collectors but an annual set from a meaningful year can make a great anniversary or birthday present.
.jpg)
