Coins Are Round… Aren’t They?

Whenever we picture coins—whether in pirate tales, classic cartoons, or our own pocket change—they’re always round. Pirate chests gleam with stacks of golden circles. Scrooge McDuck dives headfirst into a pool of shimmering, round treasure. In our imagination, that’s just how coins are.

But history tells a different story.

Discover Britain’s Most Unusual Coin Designs

While most coins throughout history were indeed round—for ease of minting and stacking—there were moments when design, necessity, and innovation took a more daring route. And Britain has issued some of the most unconventional shapes the numismatic world has ever seen.

This exclusive set brings together three of the most fascinating shaped coins from British history, making it a one-of-a-kind addition to any collection. These aren’t commemorative tokens—they were genuine currency, used daily, and remembered fondly by those who handled them. Their bold forms reflect times of transformation in both Britain’s currency and cultural identity.

Three Coins That Redefined Tradition and found their way into the hearts and pockets of the people of the UK

The Twelve-Sided Thru’penny Bit – A true British Icon. Struck in nickel-brass and famously twelve-sided, this coin became a wartime icon. Featuring the Tudor portcullis on its reverse, this coin was practical, weighty, and unmistakable in the hand. With its bold shape and distinctive feel, it stood out in every pocket and every till — a true British original.

The Seven-Sided 50p – A World First in Coin Design. In 1969, at the same time one “funny-shaped coin”, the Thru’penny bit, was leaving us another turned up on the scene, as the advent of decimalisation saw the introduction of the “curved heptagon” and the introduction of the first seven-sided coin in global circulation. Replacing the ten-shilling note, it combined engineering innovation with classical design. Featuring Britannia seated with trident and shield, it quickly became a national favourite.

The Square Shilling – Britain’s Boldest Coin. Whilst the 50p, and the 3d before it, circulated widely and were both popular and long-lived, the same can’t really be said about another odd-shaped coin from the British Isles, and perhaps the boldest tof them all — the square Shilling. In 1966, the Island of Guernsey issued a square (aligned on its axis to make a diamond) 10-shilling coin to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the Norman Conquest.  It was the first square coin issued in the British Isles in more than three centuries—not just bold in shape, it was also remarkable in its joint depiction of King William I and Queen Elizabeth II.

A Collector’s Set Like No Other

Each of these coins tells its own story—of royal heritage, design evolution, and Britain’s ability to blend tradition with progress. Together, they form a remarkable snapshot of mid-20th-century currency innovation. Each coin was issued during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, bearing portraits by master engravers Mary Gillick or Arnold Machin.

Hold a Piece of Coinage History

Together, these coins chart a quiet revolution in design and national identity. They reflect a turning point in British currency — from the practicality of pre-decimal coins to the bold experimentation of modern minting. They show a nation willing to break from tradition, to innovate and modernise. 

Order Today While Limited Stocks Remain

The set is housed in a display box and accompanied by a beautifully produced Certificate of Authenticity and historical booklet, offering insight into each coin’s origin, design, and significance.

With only a small quantity available, this is a rare chance to own a set that captures both numismatic and design history. It’s a perfect gift for collectors, history enthusiasts, or anyone with a love for Britain’s rich coinage legacy.