Massive queues on Royal Mint site for new Brexit coins

Coin collectors are queuing in their thousands to get hold of the Brexit coin

Coin collectors have generated massive queues on the Royal Mint website as the first Brexit 50p coins go on sale.

The coins, ranging from a £945 gold proof coin to a 'Brilliant Uncirculated' 50p being sold at £10 went on sale to mark the day the UK leaves the European Union and thousands have joined the queue to get their hands on one.

The Royal Mint site has a queuing page for the coins, with over 6,000 people waiting up to 20 minutes for access to the online store.

A note on the page says: "The wait is almost over, you’ll be able to enter our website very soon. In the meantime you have been placed in a queue. Please do not hit refresh or reload this page as it will increase your wait time. Thank you for your patience."

Brexit 50ps were revealed by the Royal Mint last year as a 'permanent record of notable events'. The design on the coins features the words: "Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations” along with the date January 31.

Clare Maclennan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint said: “The Royal Mint has been marking significant events in British history for over 1,000 years, and has a history of commemorating the UK's relationship with the EU through coinage.”

The coin will be available as gold and silver Proof editions, as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition and as part of a two-coin historic set.

In addition, a number of gold Sovereigns will be struck on the day and these particular coins will feature a portcullis privy mark.

The Royal Mint is also selling a two-coin pack that includes the original 1973 coin to celebrate the UK joining the European Economic Community.

You can join the queue here.