Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle’s Wedding Ring Gold Goes on Rare Sale
In a rare opportunity for royal enthusiasts, Alba Mineral Resources announced that three pure gold “Tyn-y-Cornel” coins from the Clogau-St. David’s Gold Mine in Bontddu, Wales, will be up for auction at the end of the month. This marks the first new production from the mine in years, providing a unique chance to own a piece of royal history. The coins, etched with a Welsh dragon, come from the same mine that has been the source of the royal family’s wedding bands for over a century.
Since Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother started the tradition by using Welsh gold for her wedding band in 1923, generations of royal brides have followed suit. Princess Anne and Princess Diana continued the custom, and even King Charles used Welsh gold for Queen Camilla’s wedding band in 2005. The significance of this Welsh gold in royal ceremonies has been deeply ingrained in the family’s history and tradition.
Prince Harry shared in his 2023 memoir, Spare, about how he was entrusted with carrying the Welsh gold ring made for Kate Middleton on his brother’s wedding day. The sentimentality of this family heirloom, passed down through generations for royal weddings, adds an emotional depth to the use of Welsh gold in these special occasions. The upcoming auction of these rare golden coins provides a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of this historical and royal legacy.
The availability of these limited edition coins is a result of Alba Mineral Resources acquiring the rights to the Clogau-St. David’s Gold Mine in 2018. Through advanced technology and careful excavation, gold has been extracted from the site for the first time in years. The auction of these coins presents a special chance for collectors and royal enthusiasts to own a tangible piece of history connected to the British royal family and their cherished traditions.
The first coin will be auctioned online from Sunday, March 30 to Thursday, April 3, with an online preview starting on Friday, March 20. The Chairman of Alba Mineral Resources, George Frangeskides, expressed excitement about the auction, highlighting the significance of Welsh gold and its premium value in the market. The demand for this unique Welsh gold, with its royal association, is expected to draw considerable interest and potentially high bids during the auction.
As the royal family continues to uphold traditions and customs in their ceremonies and celebrations, the use of Welsh gold for wedding bands remains a poignant symbol of heritage and continuity. The allure of owning a piece of this historic Welsh gold, sourced from the same mine that has supplied the royal family for generations, adds a touch of regal magic to the upcoming auction. With its deep-rooted connection to the British monarchy, the Clogau-St. David’s Gold Mine offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of royal history.