While this makes most of them pretty much identical and not very unique, there are the odd-few which, either on purpose or by chance, stick out from the crowd.

It is these coins which often make Numismatists excited because of their rarity and provenance, and given the global attention the Royal Family receives (especially recently because of Kate and William's marriage) they are sought after by collectors and investors worldwide.

Indeed, all types of rare, unique and valuable coins are more collectible now than ever, with the market for them in good shape.

Collecting Royal coins is easy to get into because of the large market, and with many types becoming scarcer with each passing year, there may never be a better time for you to get involved and invest in these fabulous pieces.

Here are our top five Royal coins…

5 Edward VIII Bronze Pattern Halfpenny/Pattern Silver Threepence

As any numismatist will know, coins connected to the short and ill-fated reign of Edward VIII are virtually always worth many thousands, because they are by their very nature extreme rarities.

A sale at Spink, the Portraits of a Prince event last October, 2010, was proof of this fact. The two star lots of the sale were the Bronze Pattern Halfpenny and the Pattern Silver Threepence.

A coin fit for a Prince, this Bronze Pattern Halfpenny sold for $27,776

Each of the incredibly rare coins was one of just seven examples known to have been produced, and the Bronze Halfpenny was the only matt proof type of its kind in fine, uncirculated condition.

The Halfpenny depicts the famous galleon, the Golden Hind, on its reverse side while the Threepence shows three intertwined signet rings. It is little wonder they each sold for $27,776.

4 1703 gold 5 Sovereign piece

This classic coin was produced when Queen Anne, part of the House of Stuart, was in power, and in many ways was a celebration of Britain's powerful navy and victory in battles.

Made using gold which was taken from a Franco-Spanish bullion fleet by Admiral Sir George Rook in 1702, they were created thanks to a Royal Warrant which ordered that the loot be made into coins.

Queen Anne ordered these coins to be made from the victory spoils

It is inscribed with the word VIGO under the portrait of Queen Anne to mark the event, which took place in Vigo Bay, they were produced under the personal attention of the Master of the Mint Sir Isaac Newton.

Only a small amount of gold was actually taken though, which resulted in a limited run of 5-Guineas, Guineas and ½ Guineas.

Thanks to its spectacular condition, it beat its estimate of $96,000 to sell for $115,000 at Baldwin's.

3 George VI set of gold coins

To stand out in a sale which includes more than 11,000 coins would be pretty hard for any lot, unless it was exceptionally special.

Luckily, this amazing group of four coins was just that, as it made an incredible $147,300 at Baldwin's sale of British and World coins in London last month, May.

Four remarkable coins comprise this $147,300 George VI set

The Matt Proof Finish Gold Set of four, dated from 1937, consisted a Five-pounds, a Two-pound, a Sovereign and a Half-Sovereign.

Depicting a proud looking George VI on its face, and Britain's St George slaying the dragon on its reverse side, the wonderful coins comprise this set which is very rare.

It is one of just two in private collections, which means it is almost one-of-a-kind. This means its investment potential will only increase in the future.

2 Canadian 'Dot Cent'

Unquestionably one of the most valuable coins ever produced, it signifies one of the biggest controversies events in British Royal history. After George V's death in 1936, his son Edward VIII took the throne.

However, his infamous relationship with American divorcee Wallis Simpson meant he had to abdicate in December 1936, after less than a year as King. Coins made during that time only started displaying Edward after his decision to stand-down, making them invalid.

Edward VIII's controversial resignation led to the production of these Dot Cent coins

As a result Canadian authorities had to keep on producing George V coins, and to differentiate them each one was marked with a dot. These Dot Cents naturally becoming rare because of their limited run, with only three examples surviving.

Clearly this makes them three of the most sought after coins for Numismatists, as their amazing provenance makes them utterly unlike anything else. This accounts for why one was sold for $402,500 by Heritage Auctions in January 2011.

1 World's largest coin, the 100kg Maple Leaf

There is no way of describing this coin which does it justice, not just for its quality but also because of its record-breaking nature. Simply put, it is the world's largest coin, weighing in at 100kg, measuring 53cm in diameter, and made of the finest cold available. This is the one all Numismatists, collectors and investors want.

The 2007 Canadian $1,000,000 Maple Leaf also depicts the largest official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in solid gold, with three symbolic Maple Leaves on its reverse side.

This record-breaking $4m coin is a Numismatist's dream

As one of just five ever produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, and made of the most valuable material in the world, gold. It went on to sell for $4.02 last year, June 2010, at Vienna's Dorotheum auctioneers to a Spanish precious metals trading company.

Good luck fitting that one in your wallet.

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