The Royal Mint has begun 2026 with a major step towards its long-term sustainability goals, unveiling its first commemorative gold coin sets made using 100% recycled gold.

Marking a historic development for the 1,100-year-old organisation, the 2026 Annual Sets now include 52 exclusive gold commemorative sets crafted entirely from post-consumer recycled gold. This milestone reflects The Royal Mint’s ambition to produce all collectible gold coins from recycled sources by the end of 2026.

Recycled gold refers to precious metal that has been recovered and refined from existing sources rather than newly mined. In this case, the gold used is classified as post-consumer, having been sourced from end-of-life products such as old jewellery, and surplus materials from The Royal Mint’s own coin production. The Royal Mint has partnered with Sempsa to ensure a transparent and traceable supply chain for this pioneering initiative.

While there is currently no universally accepted definition of “recycled gold” across the industry, The Royal Mint has committed to clear and open communication around its products to empower customers to make better-informed choices. Their definition of recycled gold refers exclusively to material sourced or refined from 100% eligible recycled sources.

Importantly, recycled gold retains the same quality, purity, and value as newly mined gold. These new Annual Sets meet the high standards of craftsmanship that The Royal Mint has maintained for over a millennium.

This limited release is part of a broader strategy to embed sustainability across the business. In addition to using recycled gold, The Royal Mint is also recovering precious metals from electronic waste, reusing silver from medical X-ray films, and repurposing historic coins and jewellery.

This latest development showcases how innovation and heritage can work hand-in-hand to support a more circular, sustainable economy in Wales and beyond.

For more information on The Royal Mint’s sustainability plans, visit:
The Royal Mint Sustainability