Tower Mint London
Founded in 1976 by the acclaimed sculptor Raphael Maklouf, The Tower Mint is one of the leading private mints in the United Kingdom and holds the distinction of being the last remaining commercial mint operating in London.
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Key Facts
- Founded in 1976 by acclaimed sculptor Raphael Maklouf.
- The mint was originally based within the historic walls of the Tower of London.
- It's founder, Raphael Maklouf, was selected to design the third effigy of Queen Elizabeth II to be used on circulating British and Commonwealth coinage.
Historic Founding
The Tower Mint London was officially established in 1976 by the artist and sculptor Raphael Maklouf, with its origins being traced back to a collaborative effort between Raphael Maklouf and a group of former employees from The Royal Mint.
Starting as a small collection of artist studios in London, the business was originally based within the actual walls of the Tower of London.
When The Royal Mint completely ceased any further operation from London in November 1975, Raphael Maklouf, just a year later in 1976, founded the Tower Mint London inside the original historic location. The founding of the mint, effectively revived the ancient tradition of minting precious metals inside London's historic fortress.
The Third Effigy
Raphael Maklouf, the founding member of the Tower Mint London was selected to design the third coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, after winning a highly competitive, anonymous design contest held by The Royal Mint in 1982.
After a final review of the portrait design by The Royal Mint Advisory Committee was presented to Queen Elizabeth II, who personally accepted and approved the effigy.
The iconic third effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf made its official debut on circulating British and Commonwealth coinage on 1st January 1985.
Continued Evolution
By the end of the 20th century, the Tower Mint London had established itself as a leading, private minting facility.
However, the Tower Mint London had outgrown its historical stone quarters and as part it's continued effort to combine traditional fine art engraving techniques with advanced commercial production, it officially moved to a modern production facility on Carew Street in Camberwell, South London on 20th February 2001.
Transforming from an 'Art House', into an integrated minting facility, the Tower Mint London has successfully secured highly sought after, government contracts, now producing the official legal tender for Governments such as the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Pitcairn Islands and Falkland Islands.
