The Royal Mint has unveiled a commemorative 50p coin to mark the centenary of the British Grand Prix, celebrating 100 years since Britain’s first Grand Prix race was held at Brooklands in 1926.
The coin, revealed at Brooklands Museum in Surrey on Monday, is the first official UK coin to celebrate motorsport and arrives just days before the latest edition of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Its design brings together two eras of grand prix racing, featuring a car from the inaugural Brooklands race alongside contemporary Formula 1 machinery from 2026. The Royal Mint says the imagery is intended to capture a century of technological progress in top-level motorsport, from the pioneering days of grand prix competition through to modern F1.
The launch event took place at the site of Britain’s first Grand Prix, held on August 7 1926 and organised by the Royal Automobile Club. To underline the historical connection, the coin was displayed alongside a Delage from the victorious manufacturer that claimed the top three positions in that inaugural race.
“For one hundred years, the Grand Prix in Britain has captured the nation’s imagination, from the thundering engines at Brooklands to the wheel-to-wheel battles at Silverstone,” said Rebecca Morgan, director at The Royal Mint.
“This coin is a true landmark for us. It is the first time in The Royal Mint’s history that motorsport has been celebrated on a UK coin, and we couldn’t be prouder to mark such a momentous centenary in this way.”
Brooklands Museum chief executive Alex Patterson described the 1926 race as “a defining moment” for both the venue and the development of international motor racing in the UK.
Visitors to The Royal Mint Experience in Wales will additionally be able to strike their own Grand Prix in Britain 50p coin between July 7 and August 2.
The commemorative coin collection will be available from The Royal Mint from June 29. The collection comprises five versions of the coin, including Brilliant Uncirculated, colour Brilliant Uncirculated, silver Proof, colour silver Proof and gold Proof editions, with prices starting at £15.