Fresh from The Royal Mint for 2026 is this beautiful £2 Silver proof coin celebrating the 200th anniversary of HMS Beagle's first voyage, created in collaboration with Royal Museums Greenwich.

The reverse face of the coin from designer and illustrator, William Webb depicts the famous vessel at sea, with a border comprising of a selection of animals studied by Charles Darwin during the Beagle's second expedition.

The edge of the coin is inscribed with the following:

THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE

Fineness:
- Inner Alloy: 925 Ag
- Outer Alloy: 925 Ag plated with fine gold
Finish: Proof
Denomination: £2
Total Metal Weight: 0.3568 troy ounces
Item Weight: 12g
Diameter: 28.40mm
Presentation: Royal Mint packaging which explores the history of the HMS Beagle
Limited Presentation: 2,000 coins
Maximum Mintage: 2,560 coins

Interested in the gold variant?

HMS Beagle's Role in World Science

One of the most important and famous vessels in world history, the HMS Beagle is best known for its second voyage of exploration under commander Robert FitzRoy between 27 December 1831 and 2 October 1836.

The second voyage was a survey expedition, in which FitzRoy sought a crew member to investigate and study geology on their journeys, eventually turning to the now famed, Charles Darwin, accompanying the crew as a supernumerary.

During their travels, Darwin spent most of his time on land, with his discoveries of fossils and the detailed observations of local floral and fauna eventually leading to the publication of his groundbreaking theory of natural selection.

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Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is a form of levies imposed on the profit garnered from the sale of assets, such as real estate, investments, and collectibles. In the United Kingdom, the present CGT allowance is £3,000 per annum per individual, which implies that one can earn up to £3,000 from the sale of assets prior to being subject to CGT.

For UK residents, bullion coins which are UK legal tender pound sterling coins are exempt from capital gains tax (CGT).

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Obverse

The obverse features the uncrowned portrait of His Majesty King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings, framed by the following text:

CHARLES III · D · G · REX · F · D · 2 POUNDS · 2026 ·

Reverse

The reverse features a depiction of HMS Beagle at sea from designer and illustrator William Webb, with a border inspired by the wildlife witnessed by Charles Darwin on the ship's second voyage. The following text is centred at the bottom of the border:

HMS BEAGLE

Key Information

Product ID	23012
Stock Status	Pre Order

Product Spec

Metal	Silver
Silver Weight Troy Ounces	0.3568
Fineness/Carat	0.925 Sterling
Date	2026
Obverse Designer	Martin Jennings
Reverse Designer	William Webb
Issuing Monarch	Charles III (2022 - Present)
Mint/Brand	The Royal Mint
Country	United Kingdom

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2026 HMS Beagle 'The Voyage of the Beagle' £2 Silver Proof Coin