The legendary Welsh gold that has adorned British royalty for over a century is making a historic comeback. For the first time in more than 25 years, gold from the iconic Clogau-St David’s Gold Mine has been successfully mined, and a limited collection of exclusive gold coins is set to be auctioned. Here are five fascinating facts about this remarkable event.
1. A royal tradition dating back over a century
Welsh gold has long been associated with the British Royal Family, making it one of the most prestigious and sought-after types of gold in the world. Since 1923, royal wedding rings have been crafted from this rare material, worn by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, Princess Anne, and Diana, Princess of Wales. With no new production for decades, its scarcity has only added to its allure—until now.
2. The first Welsh gold mined in over 25 years
Once believed to be depleted, the Clogau-St David’s Gold Mine has remained inactive since the 1990s. However, after acquiring the mining rights in 2018, Alba Mineral Resources launched an ambitious exploration programme using cutting-edge technology. Their efforts have finally paid off, and gold has now been successfully mined from Clogau again for the first time in over a quarter of a century.
3. A collector’s coin like no other
To mark this historic revival, Alba has minted an exclusive collection of 1oz “Tyn-y-Cornel” gold coins. Each 24-carat, pure Welsh gold coin, produced by Betts Refiners (est. 1760), is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The obverse features a majestic Welsh dragon atop Cadair Idris, one of Snowdonia’s most famous mountains, while the reverse pays tribute to the mine’s golden era, inspired by historic photographs of miners at the Tyn-y-Cornel adit.
4. Only 10 coins will ever exist
This isn’t just a collector’s item—it’s a true rarity. A maximum of only 10 of these coins will ever be minted, with the first three set to be auctioned from Sunday 30 March to Thursday 3 April 2025. Each coin is presented in a handcrafted Welsh oak box, lined with crushed velvet, inscribed with:
“Clogau-St David’s Gold Mine, Limited Edition 1oz Coin, Tyn-y-Cornel, 2025.”
Given the prestige of Welsh gold, these coins are expected to fetch significant global interest and premium prices.
5. A new chapter for British gold mining
Since its discovery in 1854, the Clogau Mine has produced approximately 80,000 ounces of gold, making it the UK’s most famous domestic gold source. With its revival, a new era of British gold mining is being written, offering a rare opportunity for collectors, investors, and those who cherish royal history.
For those eager to own a piece of British heritage, this auction presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You can register your interest and find more details at Alba Mineral Resources.