Royal Mint launches its final collectable 50p coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II's portrait

Harry Potter themed coins featuring the Hogwarts Express have been launched by the Royal Mint, official maker of UK coins, Report informs via the Daily Mail.

The collectable coin is also the final 50p piece to have Queen Elizabeth II's portrait appear on the obverse side.

It forms part of a collection celebrating 25 years since Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling was first published in the UK in 1997.

As well as the Hogwarts Express, coins feature Harry Potter, Professor Dumbledore and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The first two coins feature the portrait of the late Queen, the final two the King.

The Harry Potter collection will be one of a small number that will have a change of portrait during the series, the Mint said.

The Royal Mint said: 'A change in portrait makes this collection a highly sought after one.'

Rebecca Morgan, director of collector services at the Royal Mint said: 'For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II's portrait has appeared on every official UK coin struck by the Royal Mint.

'This collection of coins serves as a permanent reminder of the fascinating transition from Britain's longest reigning monarch to His Majesty the King's first appearance on UK coins.'