Those of a certain age, and many significantly beyond it too, are devoted to everything Harry Potter. This is a fact recognised by manufacturers and all manner of merchandise can be purchased, much of it falling into the collectables category.

Many will grow out of it, but there are some who continue having realised it is a potentially lucrative hobby, with collections gaining great value. Now those people and a few other besides, are getting very excited after an announcement by the Royal Mint that a 50 pence coin featuring the Hogwarts Express will be the final one to feature Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait on the obverse side.

Highly sought after collection

The “Express” coin is actually part of a larger collection which celebrates 25 years of Harry Potter, of which the final two coins, which have not yet been released yet, will feature the official portrait of King Charles III.

Rebecca Morgan who is the Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint confirmed that it is inevitable that a change in portrait will make the collection a highly sought after one. She said: “They present a unique opportunity for collectors and fans of Harry Potter across the world.” She went on to add that these coins will serve as a permanent reminder of the fascinating transition from Britain’s longest reigning monarch to His Majesty the King’s first appearance on UK coins.

Illustrator thrilled at opportunity

There are four coins in the collection featuring the work of artist Jim Kay, who created the first fully illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The other three will have images of: Professor Dumbledore, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the boy Wizard himself, and will be one of a small number that will see a change of portrait during the series.

He was naturally thrilled to be involved saying that it hadn’t really sunk in yet, but was proud to be involved in the creation.

Lightning strike on the coins

Laser technology and traditional minting techniques have combined to imprint Mr Kay’s intricate designs in colour on some of the coins, which in some cases also feature a ‘”latent feature” which rotates in the light to reveal a lightning bolt and the number “25” to mark the anniversary year.

Early prices show massive increase in value

The coins are simply collectables, and not for use on the high street; although any retailer receiving one by accident would be advised not to make too much of a fuss, as early estimates are that prices for the Hogwarts Express coins will range from £11 for the uncirculated 50 pence denomination version, up to an eye-watering £5,215 for a £200 denomination gold coin.

Hard to believe its been a quarter of a century

It is hard to believe that is 25 years since JK Rowling first published her novel “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” back in 1997. She would have been completely unaware that she was in actual fact releasing something substantially bigger, that was going to grow into a an absolute monster, greater than any fictional notion in her mind.