The Royal Mint has released a new collection of 50p coins celebrating the 60th anniversary of the influential science fiction franchise, Star Trek. The coins pay homage to the series' enduring legacy and dedicated fanbase.
One of the commemorative coins features the distinctive Vulcan hand salute, a gesture popularized by Leonard Nimoy's character Spock in the original 1960s television series, accompanied by the phrase "Live long and prosper." The salute involves raising the hand with the middle and ring fingers parted.
![A black and silver version of the Star Trek "Live Long & Prosper" 50p coin with the Vulcan salute.]( "A black and silver version of the Star Trek "Live Long & Prosper" 50p coin with the Vulcan salute.")
A second coin in the collection showcases four spacecraft designs, representing different eras of the Star Trek universe. These designs reflect the franchise's expansive visual history.
Star Trek first aired in September 1966, evolving into a global phenomenon that has inspired numerous comics, books, and toys. The franchise has since spawned twelve subsequent television series, resulting in over 950 episodes and 14 feature films that have collectively grossed more than $2 billion worldwide.
Ruth Henriquez, vice-president of products and experiences at Paramount, which owns the franchise, stated that "Star Trek has one of the most dedicated collector communities in the world, and these coins are a tribute to 60 years of the franchise." The Royal Mint, located in Llantrisant, south Wales, has previously released commemorative coins for events such as the 100th anniversary of the Grand Prix in Britain and the 50th anniversary of Aardman Animations. In 2024, the mint also issued a series of Star Wars-themed 50p coins, including one featuring the Millennium Falcon.