United Kingdom. Innovative Cryptic Crown Coin Introduces The Penny Drops Numismatic Puzzle

The exciting hobby of coin collecting is stepping into a new era with the introduction of The Great British Treasure Hunt. The coin is not just a beautiful collector’s item, it’s an interactive device with more than meets the eye. Hidden within its design and packaging are layers of secrets and puzzles to take players on a journey of discovery, perfect for those who love mystery, challenge and the thrill of the chase.

From the day of its launch, the nationwide quest is a ground-breaking experience built around a coin unlike any other. Inspired by Sir Isaac Newton, Master of the Mint from1699 until his death in 1727, and one of the greatest minds of all time, this is the first time ever that a British coin has been used as a key to unlocking a national mission of solving a puzzle with a lucrative reward. The coin was debuted at this year’s World Money Fair in Berlin where collectors and puzzle enthusiasts alike took advantage of a supply of the base metal versions that sold out during the three-day event. The title of the coin is derived from the British idiom ‘The penny Drops’ meaning someone has suddenly and often belatedly been understood or realised a moment of dawning comprehension typically following a period of confusion.

The Game

Made up of five levels, The Great British Treasure Hunt is open to all to take part. However, the winner is only eligible if they are resident in the UK but others are encouraged to play just for fun, with the first level free from the 29th January to try through the dedicated microsite. Once the first level has been completed, further stages can be unlocked through the use of The Penny Drops coin and packaging. Each level will be open for completion with tips and hints unveiled and released by The Royal Mint across various dates following the launch. At the culmination of the hunt awaits a remarkable reward for those still in the game - a chance to win the grand prize of a solid gold bar. 

The reverse side of the coin is created by Christian Davies and Matt Dent. The design of this unique commemorative crown coin acts as a physical decipher for the challenge. Featuring a sophisticated design that serves as a physical key to unlock the multi-puzzle challenge, it includes numbers, letters, directional letters denoting North, South, East and West and symbols that when used correctly, can be used to uncover layers of secrets, riddles and puzzles that form The Great British Treasure Hunt. The text THE PENNY DROPS 2026 is placed between the borders of symbols placed along the rim and centred square containing a stylised illustration of the sun and circles denoting eight planets of the solar system and in the centre of the sun are latent images that includes the letters A and M. The obverse of each coin option features the definitive effigy of HM King Charles III designed by Martin Jennings. The denomination from 5 POUNDS and year of issue 2025 also appears on the obverse as part of the legend surrounding the King’s likeness. Each coin includes incused stylised lettering on the edge that reads STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS, a reference to the famous quote attributed to Sir Issac Newton "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants". The edge lettering was also included on circulation-type £2 coins minted from 1997 until 2015.

Available from the 29^th January, the BU cupro-nickel crown coins are housed in a blister-pak type folder with informative text, a separate envelope of clue-solvers and illustrations of the game and its objective. The silver proof coins are encapsulated and presented in black leatherette matte cases accompanied with numbered certificates of authenticity as well as a separate envelope of clue-solvers. The gold proof coins are encapsulated and presented in polished gloss wood cases accompanied with a certificate of authenticity and a separate envelope of clue-solvers. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Mint.