After more than three years in the making, The Royal Mint Experience is now open to the public, offering “unprecedented access” to the stories behind the U.K.’s coins.
The doors opened last week, May 18, and guests have since experienced the new, purpose-built visitor attraction in Llantrisant, South Wales. While detailing how and where all of the U.K.’s coins are designed and struck, the Royal Mint Experience also extends to the coinage of an additional 60 countries, much of which is also on display.
Had a great time at the visitors experience at the Royal mint. #RoyalMintExperience pic.twitter.com/KV8lRL23K7
— ѕopн (@SophieEvans1993) May 17, 2016
Organizers said the experience is an opportunity to learn about the “rich history of The Royal Mint, which spans more than 1,000 years, from our first home in the Tower of London, to Tower Hill and Llantrisant – our home now for more than 40 years.”
Following a quick introduction and video, visitors are led to the circulating coin production room, where a host explains exactly how coins are produced. Next is the striking room, where rows of striking machines produce thousands of coins each day. Here, visitors are given the chance to strike their own 2016 £1 coin.
The experience concludes with a self-guided interactive exhibition that teaches the history of The Royal Mint; the coins The Royal Mint has produced for countries across the globe; how money is made; The Royal Mint’s medal production; and the meaning of coins and coin collecting.
For more information, visit royalmint.com/experience.