Official Concorde Coins | 2026 UK Concorde 50p

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Celebrating Concorde: 50th Anniversary

The year 2026 marks a major milestone in aviation history: the 50th anniversary of Concorde's first commercial flights in 1976, which ushered in the era of supersonic passenger travel.

Born from an ambitious Anglo-French partnership formalised with a treaty in November 1962, Concorde became one of the most celebrated engineering achievements of the 20th century. The aircraft's slender, delta-wing design and revolutionary technology allowed it to cruise at more than twice the speed of sound - roughly 1,350 miles per hour - cutting typical London to New York flight times to less than three and a half hours. Concorde's four Rolls-Royce/SNECMA Olympus engines and advanced reheat system made it the most tested commercial aircraft of its time, enduring some 5,000 hours of ground and flight testing before entering service.

Over its 27-year operational life with British Airways and Air France, Concorde carried millions of passengers on transatlantic routes while breaking records and capturing the public imagination. Its combination of performance, prestige and cultural impact continues to inspire aviation enthusiasts around the world.

First Official UK Concorde Coins

Over the decades, Concorde's legacy has inspired a wide range of medals and commemorative pieces produced by private mints, often issued on behalf of British Overseas Territories or Crown Dependencies. Official commemoratives have also been struck by France's Monnaie de Paris to mark key anniversaries. However, until now, Concorde had never been celebrated on official United Kingdom legal tender coinage.

The 2026 Concorde collection from The Royal Mint changes that, representing the first officially licensed British coins dedicated to the supersonic aircraft. Created in partnership with British Airways and Airbus, these pieces are designed for coin collectors and aviation enthusiasts.

Each coin features a reverse design by Osbourne Ross, depicting two Concorde aircraft crossing a map of the world: a visual reference to the jet's international reach and appeal. The word 'CONCORDE' dominates the centre of the design, styled to resemble a classic split-flap departure board, with the date 21 January 1976 displayed below. Carefully polished surfaces introduce subtle light-play effects, elevating these coins beyond novelty items and firmly positioning them as premium collectables worthy of the UK's national mint.

'Concorde represents the very best of British innovation. The design perfectly captures Concorde's grace and power and we're thrilled to mark this significant anniversary with a coin that honours both the aircraft and the engineers whose genius made supersonic travel a reality'

- Rebecca Morgan

The Royal Mint's 2026 Concorde Range

The 2026 Concorde range has been designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of collectors, from entry-level numismatists to those seeking rare and precious metal issues. At its core is a selection of Fifty Pence coins in multiple finishes, complemented by quarter-ounce and one-ounce gold editions, all sharing the same distinctive Concorde design.

Each coin carries the official coinage portrait of King Charles III on the obverse, designed by Martin Jennings, ensuring consistency with modern UK coinage.

All editions are presented in gift-style packaging that traces Concorde's story from its creation through to its final flight in 2003. In addition, historic collector sets have been released, pairing the new Concorde coins with original 1976 Fifty Pence pieces and other contemporary issues, providing a tangible link between the past and the present. With limited mintages - particularly for the gold editions - some coins may become increasingly difficult to source on the secondary market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Concorde coins worth?

Many Concorde coins have been produced by various companies. While some pieces may have limited resale value, Concorde coins made from solid gold or silver can command good prices, with pieces from The Royal Mint and the Monnaie de Paris among the most sought-after.

Where to sell Concorde coins?

If you want to sell Concorde coins, it's best to approach a coin buyer or auction house that specialises in modern collectable coins. The Britannia Coin Company buys and sells various Concorde coins in the UK, including gold and silver coins and 2026 Royal Mint Concorde coins.

What are UK Concorde 50ps?

UK Concorde Fifty Pence pieces were released by The Royal Mint in 2026 to mark the 50th anniversary of Concorde's first commercial flight. These coins were not put into circulation but were sold in brilliant uncirculated, silver proof, piedfort and gold proof formats for collectors.

When did the Concorde stop flying?

Concorde's final commercial flights took place in October 2003, ending 27 years of supersonic passenger service with British Airways and Air France. Rising costs, falling demand and safety changes ultimately led to the aircraft's retirement, though many are on display in museums.

How much did a ticket on Concorde cost?

At its peak, a return ticket on Concorde cost between £4,000 and £8,000, depending on route and year, equivalent to tens of thousands of pounds today. Prices reflected the aircraft's speed, exclusivity and premium onboard service, which made it one of the most luxurious ways to fly.

When is Concorde's 50th anniversary?

Concorde's 50th anniversary was celebrated on different dates, including 2 March 2019, which marked the first flight of Concorde in 1969. Major commemorations were held on 21 January 2026, the fiftieth anniversary of Concorde entering commercial service in 1976.