1800-1900
1810
The Move to Tower Hill
In order to expand and develop, The Royal Mint moves to a new, custom-built facility erected on Tower Hill just a few hundred yards away from the Tower of London. The new building is equipped with the latest steam-powered machinery that is arranged in a logical production sequence.
1815
The Waterloo Campaign Medal is Created
The Royal Mint strikes medals to honour the bravery of the soldiers who fought at the Battle of Waterloo. This marks the beginning of a regular role in striking campaign and service medals for major conflicts.
1817
The Return of a Classic
The great coinage reform occurs following the end of the Napoleonic Wars. This includes the revival of The Sovereign, which features a reverse design of St George and the dragon by the Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. It remains one of the most iconic designs in numismatic history.
1855
Striking Gold Down Under
The discovery of gold in Australia in 1851 leads to calls for the establishment of a branch of The Royal Mint in order to strike Sovereigns. Permission is granted in 1853 and the first branch mint opens in Sydney in 1855.
1870
The Chancellor Becomes Master of the Mint
The role of the Master of the Mint is incorporated into the office of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
1880's
Industrial Progression and Expansion
To cope with an enormous increase in the demand for coins at home and overseas, The Royal Mint reconstructs and extends its factory buildings, installing new coining presses, and increasing the melting and rolling capacity. Steam gives way to electricity and the work of construction and renovation becomes a continuous process.
1900-2000
Discover the birth of the RMAC (The Royal Mint Advisory Committee), our move from our traditional home in London, and a landmark event in the history of UK coinage that prompted the change.
