Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 25th Anniversary of Harry Potter Magic, Winged Keys
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 25th Anniversary of Harry Potter Magic, Winged Keys
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 25th Anniversary of Harry Potter Magic, Winged Keys, Fold-out packaging
Description

Harry Potter, penned by British author J.K. Rowling, comprises seven fantasy novels following the adventures of young wizard Harry Potter and his companions Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The central narrative revolves around Harry's struggle against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who seeks immortality and domination over both magical and non-magical beings. Originally released in English by Bloomsbury and Scholastic Press, the series blends fantasy, drama, and coming-of-age elements, delving into themes such as prejudice, corruption, and mortality.

Since the debut of the first book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," in 1997, the series has achieved immense popularity and critical acclaim globally, selling over 600 million copies in 85 languages. The subsequent film adaptations by Warner Bros. and the play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" further propelled the franchise's success, valued at $25 billion by 2016. Expanding beyond literature and cinema, the franchise includes exhibitions, studio tours, digital platforms, spin-off films, and themed attractions at Universal Destinations & Experiences amusement parks.

Obverse

Depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by the Latin inscription. Engraver's initials on the neck.

CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FIDEI DEFENSOR means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Martin Jennings (MJ)

• CHARLES III•D•G•REX•F•D•50 PENCE•2024
MJ

Reverse

Depicts an original illustration of Harry flying a broomstick and trying to catch a winged key.

The Winged Keys, also called Flying Keys, were enchanted by Professor Filius Flitwick to guard the Philosopher's Stone. Positioned in a vast flock within the third chamber of the Underground Chambers, these keys presented a challenge: only one could unlock the impervious door to the fourth chamber. On June 4, 1992, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger encountered this obstacle while pursuing Severus Snape (actually Quirinus Quirrell), aiming to prevent him from delivering the Philosopher's Stone to Lord Voldemort.

Upon reaching the chamber, the trio found what seemed like birds—actually, the enchanted keys. When their attempts to use Alohomora failed on the locked door, Hermione deduced that the key to open it must match the door's old-fashioned lock. They spotted a silver key with bright blue wings, one wing slightly damaged from Quirrell's recent use. As they took flight on brooms to reach it, the rest of the keys scattered chaotically throughout the room.

Design: Bella Biggs and Warner Bros, Entertainment Inc.

THE WINGED KEYS

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 8 g
Diameter 27.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape polygon
Sides 7
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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