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What are the best King Charles III Coronation memorabilia to buy now?

Oct 23, 2023

Royal Mint coins, Emma Bridgewater mugs and biscuit tins will be popular – but which are the best Coronation souvenirs to invest in?

King Charles' Coronation took place at Westminster Abbey yesterday and the best Coronation memorabilia has been flying off the shelves. There'll be Coronation-themed mugs on the table and union flag bunting in the window. Even more excitingly – we get a bank holiday.

What is it about us Brits and buying souvenirs to mark royal occasions? If anyone can answer that question, it's the woman who's name is synonymous with royal themed gifts, Emma Bridgewater: "We are good at pomp and ceremony. Our royalist feelings run deep and they only come to the surface in the magnificent interruption of bunting fever for a few days. It's a deeply unifying moment. I think commemorative wares are linked to that. It's a way of holding onto that feeling afterwards."

"Invest in limited edition merchandise such as coins and stamps," says Anita Lo, owner of Clara's Box, an online store selling vintage fashion and collectibles. "The 50p coin minted for the Jubilee had just over one million in circulation in May and has been listed on eBay for £450. An uncirculated £50 note featuring Queen Elizabeth II received bids for more than £10,000 online."

The King's coronation medal is expected to be issued after the coronation. When new monarchs are crowned, a coronation medal is struck to give to members of the Royal family, selected members of the royal household and state, public servants, members of the army, mayors, police and other worthies. These number in the thousands, but are not available to buy.

A separate Commemorative King's Coronation Medal (see below) will be available to buy. Sold in support of the armed forces charity SSAFA, applications are restricted to those who serve the crown – for example, soldiers and policemen – and their families.

Whether you're a military medal collector or more of an Emma Bridgewater mug enthusiast, we've ranked the best King Charles III coronation memorabilia below. We've spoken to experts, researched value and stayed away from all things tacky.

All the links below are to official retailers. Be wary of any emails or phone calls from people offering hard-to-get coronation memorabilia. Hertfordshire Police among others have warned of scammers using dodgy websites and phishing emails to get hold of personal information such as your name, address and bank details. As always, it's best not to buy from websites you're not familiar with – especially if you've been contacted out of the blue.

£14.50, Royal Mint

Best Royal Mint coronation souvenir

No great British event passes without the Royal Mint producing special editions of legal tender coins. We have already had the 'double monarch' 50p coin, struck on the occasion of King Charles' accession with a bareheaded King on one side and the late Queen on the other. The five pound coin above, as well as a special 50p coin, will be the first to show His Majesty crowned. Since standard coins will not feature the crown, these may well be the best mementos to invest in, if Anita's advice above is anything to go by.

The five pound commemorative coin, which is still legal tender, is a proof coin: this means it's the best quality coin Royal Mint makes in terms of sharpness, detail and finish. As well as the 50p and £5 coins, the Royal Mint's official Coronation Commemorative range will include an ounce range and even a £77,500 one-kilogram solid gold proof coin. All are now available to buy. A bigger Sovereign Collection will launch later this year.

"Limited edition coins in silver and gold will maintain their value over time," says Anita Lo, although she warns, "The market does fluctuate, so it might take a while to make a return on investment."

Emma Bridgewater adds, "Royal Mint issue is one of my very favourite things. I always quite liked the idea that they were money that was really precious."

£17.50, AWARD Medals

Best coronation medal to buy (conditions apply)

Medal manufacturers AWARD have struck this commemorative King Charles coronation medal in support of the armed forces charity SSAFA. It can be bought by veterans and current members of the armed forces, emergency services staff and volunteers, prison service and police community support officers, as well as holders of the Victoria Cross and George Cross. Next of kin and direct descendants can also apply. A miniature version of the medal is available to everyone else for £17.50.

The medal features The Crown, The Orb and The Spectre surrounded by the wording 'The Coronation of His Majesty Charles III' and dated 6th May 2023.

"There is a niche market for medals and militaria and collections sell for decent sums at auction," says Anita Lo. However, she warns the miniature medal is unlikely to hold its value so well, since it is mass produced.

Available May 6. Pre-order from £7.50, Royal Mail

Best coronation stamps

Stamp collectors rejoice, the long awaited Royal Mail special coronation stamps have been unveiled. The four new stamps represent the coronation, diversity and community, the commonwealth and sustainability and biodiversity – reflecting the incoming King's commitment to promoting a multi-faith society as well as protecting the environment.

Since this is only the third time the Royal Mail has issued coronation stamps, they are one of the most widely anticipated souvenirs of the event. You can pre-order this pack of all four stamps now, ahead of the release on May 6.

£175, Royal Scot Crystal

Best luxury coronation souvenir

If you're looking for something a bit more indulgent to mark the coronation, this Highland Square Crystal Spirit Decanter by Royal Scot might do the trick. It's perfect for serving that post-dinner scotch.

The decanter is engraved with the words 'King Charles III Coronation 2023', with the King's royal cypher in the middle. It is presented in a gold box with satin lining, alongside a small commemorative card. Anita Lo confirms it's worth as much as it looks.

"Collectors look for rare examples that are limited edition, antique or bespoke," she says. "This is a lovely example as it is hand cut and made of crystal."

"It's a very special one," adds Emma Bridgewater. "I always say you shouldn't make dust gatherers: I love the idea of making things that people use."

£125, Jan Constantine

Best homeware coronation souvenir

British designer Jan Constantine has long been associated with British memorabilia: she made official goods for the London Olympics in 2012, produced a collection for the Queen's Jubilee and has collaborated with British brands including Fortnum and Mason and Pimm's. Her Coronation Collection is handmade from pure wool and hand-embroidered with royal motifs.

We particularly like this 'God Save the King' cushion, stitched with antique gold on deep navy blue. Anita Lo doubts its value will increase much, because similar items are widely available, but Emma Bridgewater is very much a Constantine fan. "My whole mission is similar to Jan Constantine's, and that's to make useful things," she says. "And I'd always like more cushions for my veranda."

£23, Emma Bridgewater

Best coronation mug souvenir

Predictably ahead of the game, Emma Bridgewater's coronation collection first went on sale in February. "Everyone knew there was a coronation coming," Emma says. "We're selling them at a great rate."

Bridgewater's ceramics company was founded in 1985, just a year before the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. "Every royal event since then, we have commemorated in some way," Emma says. "We always know it's going to be big and we make a lot of stock for it."

This particular King Charles III Coronation 1/2 Pint Mug is adorned with purple bunting above a crown, lions and the words 'King Charles'.

"Souvenir mugs are always popular and pottery firms will see a healthy boost in sales," Anita Lo says. "They're perfect for tea parties over the long weekend and they can continue to be used for years to come.They will not accrue value over time, but I'll be buying a fun mug to mark the special occasion – as well as perhaps some coins from the Royal Mint."

£35, Fortnum & Mason

Best biscuit tin coronation gift

Just the right side of tasteful, this wind-up Fortnum Musical Coronation Biscuit Tin plays 'God Save the King' as it slowly revolves. Inside is a selection of biscuits paying tribute to the Commonwealth including Fijian Ginger Biscuits, Scottish Ling Heather Honey Biscuits, South African Milk Chocolate Macadamia Nut Biscuits and homegrown Clotted Cream biscuits. All have been handmade in Lancashire.

Do our experts approve? "I'd like coronation everything," says Emma Bridgewater. "I'll be eating coronation biscuits out of coronation tins and drinking coronation tea out of coronation mugs."

£50, Royal Collection Shop

Best official coronation memorabilia

The Royal Collection Trust, which is part of the Royal Household, has released an official coronation collection with a new Royal Coat of Arms. This tankard is our pick but you can choose from a selection of mugs, plates and pillboxes, all produced in Stoke-on-Trent.

The new Royal Coat of Arms shows laurel leaves for peace, oak leaves for strength and the thistle, rose, shamrock and daffodil for the four nations of the United Kingdom. Everything is entwined with ribbon to show the supportive partnership between King Charles and Queen Camila. The tankard is finished off in 22 carat gold and gift boxed.

£215, Royal Crown Derby

Best coronation plate

Make sure this one is perched on a shelf well above wandering hands and pets: with only 500 being made, it will be very hard to replace. You can pre-order the Gadron Plates by Royal Crown Derby now for delivery in May.

The handcrafted plate is gilded in 22-carat gold, interwoven into a regal purple pattern inspired by the Crown Jewels. The butterflies and bumble bees around the border nod to King Charles' gardens at Highgrove House. The plate is delivered in a gift box with a certificate of authenticity.

£75, Harrods

Best Harrods coronation souvenir

As expected of Britain's best department store, Harrods has a number of coronation paraphernalia for sale. We particularly like this 100 per cent silk scarf, dated for the coronation and complete with Harrods' iconic logo. The rich navy background shows union jack flags in the middle, surrounded by joined English, Welsh and Scottish flags.

It's certainly a piece to be cherished, although unlike other coronation wares, the design is regular enough to wear long after May 6.

£345, Merrythought

Best coronation memorabilia for children

'Official provider of teddy bears to royal family' is quite a title and one held by Merrythought, the last remaining teddy bear factory in Britain. The late Queen Elizabeth II was presented with a handmade corgi teddy at the 1952 British Industries Fair by then Director, Jimmy Matthews and teddy bears have been made for each royal generation since. Archive images of Prince William and Zara Tindall show the young royals walking to Christmas masses at Sandringham clutching theirs.

This King Charles III Coronation Commemorative Teddy Bear is part of a limited edition collection being released for May 6. As is the Merrythought way, the eyes, legs, arms and joints will be sewn by hand in their Ironbridge workshop, the nose hand embroidered and ribbon bow tied around the neck. You can pre-order now for expected delivery in July.

£250, Halcyon Days

Best traditional coronation memorabilia

Mayfair born Halcyon Days is known for its signature enamel boxes crafted in the West Midlands, the home of British pottery and enamelling. The company holds a royal warrant to King Charles, but also held one each for the late Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, meaning it had provided goods to all three.

To celebrate the coronation, Halcyon Days has produced a large range of commemorative enamels and fine bone china. The Cypher Green Enamel Box shown above is hand decorated with the coronation emblem on the inside lid.

£70, Caithness Glass

Best Scottish coronation souvenir

For a Scottish option, Caithness Glass is the world's leading producer of glass paperweights. The company was first established in Wick, Caithness in 1961 and now operates under Dartington Crystal.

The above handmade round paperweight shows the official cypher of King Charles III and the date to mark the coronation. Caithness Glass is also selling a Camilla Queen Consort Coronation Paperweight (£70) and a limited edition Coronation Royal Garden Paperweight (£325).

£12.95, John Lewis

Best coronation cutlery

For something a bit different, Arthur Price has created a commemorative teaspoon presented in a gift box. The top of the stainless steel spoon is decorated with a King Charles III portrait.

First manufactured in Birmingham in 1902, by the 1950s Arthur Price was the biggest manufacturer of stainless steel cutlery in the country. It made the cutlery for the RMS Titanic back in 1912, intended for use by the first-class passengers and the captain's table. Today it produces high end stainless steel and silver cutlery, all recognisably engraved.

£96 for a magnum, Clos 19

Best coronation champagne

Moët is one of six champagne houses to hold a royal warrant from The Queen. But royal warrants are reviewed upon a monarch's death. So could this special cuvée – available exclusively from high-end vintners Clos 19 and featuring the official emblem of the coronation of His Majesty – be a subtle hint to keep the royal tab open? With two crowns on the bottle, it will at the very least be a curio for future generations. If you can resist opening it that long.

£75, Dartington Crystal

Best coronation glassware

King Charles is apparently a fan of whisky, drinking it neat or with a splash of water. His favourite whisky is a peaty Islay single malt, Laphroaig 15 year (Laphroaig was granted a Royal Warrant in 1994). If you want to emulate the new King's drinking habits, what better way to do so than in a handcut crystal whisky glass?

Dartington Crystal's limited edition whisky tumbler features the royal cyphers of King Charles and Queen Camilla side by side. The base of the tumbler also shows the coronation emblem. The Devon firm's commemorative glassware collection also includes tumblers, bowls, champagne flutes, a tankard, a vase and a decanter.

£30, Creamy Patina

Best pop art coronation souvenir

This is as far from official merchandise as you can get, but having gone somewhat viral on social media it counts as a collectible. You never know, you might see Hilary Kay wowing the Antiques Roadshow audience with a sky-high valuation in a few decades' time.

Coronation Flakes are simply cornflakes in a joke box designed as a marketing gimmick by Creamy Patina, who make cufflink-sized watches. (Each purchase gives you the chance to win one.) You can buy it with cornflakes inside for £30, or just the box for £23. There's a cut-out King Charles mask on the back – but you'd be advised not to take scissors to it if you want your grandchildren to get that Antiques Roadshow moment in the sun.

£27, All Jigsaw Puzzles

Best coronation jigsaw souvenir

The first ever jigsaw puzzle is believed to have been made in London in 1760 as a way to teach geography with dissected maps. So if geography, why not history? The Telegraph's political cartoonist Patrick Blower has illustrated our 1000 piece commemorative puzzle for the coronation.

The colourful puzzle tracks the King's life and royal duties from being the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, father of William and Harry and now his succession to the throne. Royal corgis, Balmoral, Queen Camilla and the late Queen Elizabeth II all feature. Call us biased, but this is a pretty special keepsake.

£70, Telegraph Books

Best coronation book souvenir

Also from The Telegraph, this custom gift book tells the story of King Charles III through our articles and front pages from his birth in 1948 to his coronation in 2023.

Events include the wedding of Charles and Diana and the subsequent separation, Charles' wedding to Camilla in 2005 and the accession of the King in 2022. Every major event is chronicled. We dare to say it's a more accurate way of learning the King's history than watching The Crown.

Best Royal Mint coronation souvenir Best coronation medal to buy (conditions apply) Best coronation stamps Best luxury coronation souvenir Best homeware coronation souvenir Best coronation mug souvenir Best biscuit tin coronation gift Best official coronation memorabilia Best coronation plate Best Harrods coronation souvenir Best coronation memorabilia for children Best traditional coronation memorabilia Best Scottish coronation souvenir Best coronation cutlery Best coronation champagne Best coronation glassware Best pop art coronation souvenir Best coronation jigsaw souvenir Best coronation book souvenir