The Secret Life of Coins is a temporary exhibition at The Royal Mint Experience in Wales, exploring how we use coins for everyday and surprising tasks.
Running until summer 2026, the exhibition looks at how we use coins not just as money, but also for tossing at the start of a football match, carrying as a lucky charm and other uses.
It also explores important tasks which coins have, whether that is conveying political messages, warding off disease or even keeping the nation’s most famous clock running on time. Visitors to the exhibition can see coins which have been specifically struck for royal occasions and the ordinary coins used in extraordinary ways.
Among the stories which visitors can discover is the use of coins in the Great Clock in the Elizabeth Tower, placing pre-decimal coins on the pendulum to help regulate the clock’s mechanism and stop it running too fast or slow.
Visiting The Royal Mint Experience
Groups can explore the interactive exhibits, uncover hidden tales from The Mint’s storied past, and marvel at limited-edition coins, including those made with rare materials like 24-carat gold.
Other highlights of a visit to The Royal Mint Experience are guided tours, providing access to the Royal Mint and its more than 1,000 years of history.
The tour takes takes groups into the circulating coin factory, where the UK’s coins have been made since 1968 and will have the opportunity to strike their own coin. After the tour visitors can explore the exhibitions, home to important and historic artefacts.
Group benefits
Groups of 15 or more can enjoy discounted packages which include tours, lunches, cream tea or afternoon tea. Joint packages are available which include guided tours of The Royal Mint Experience and another attraction including Hensol Castle Distillery and Rhondda Heritage Park.
For more ideas and inspiration about group visits to The Royal Mint go to www.royalmint.com.
