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

Fresh from The Royal Mint for 2026 is this beautiful £2 Gold 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: 916.7 Au yellow gold
  • Outer Alloy: 916.7 Au red gold
• Finish: Proof
• Denomination: £2
• Total Metal Weight: 0.4711 troy ounces
• Item Weight: 15.98g
• Diameter: 28.40mm
• Presentation: Royal Mint packaging which explores the history of the HMS Beagle
• Limited Presentation: 100 coins
• Maximum Mintage: 162 coins

Interested in the silver 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.

What Is Capital Gains Tax?

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).

Royal Mint Official Partner

Chards is an official partner of The Royal Mint. Newly minted Royal Mint products, are sourced directly from their mint headquarters in Llantrisant, Wales.

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 ·