The Royal Mint website has been swamped by coin collectors after the Queen's death was announced on Thursday. Also Britain's oldest company, the official maker of UK coins was forced to post a message on its website asking collectors to "please bear with us" as queues of up to 35 people built up.
The welcome page carried a message on Monday telling visitors to expect a high volume of traffic. As thousands scrambled to buy coins etched with the Queen's face a message said: "Thank you for visiting our website. Following the incredibly sad news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, we are currently experiencing a particularly high volume of traffic to our website.
"Please bear with us as we manage this. Queen Elizabeth II ruled with heart and devotion, and will be dearly missed by all of us at The Royal Mint and by millions of people around the world. The remarkable legacy-of Britain's longest serving monarch will live on for many years to come."
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The Royal Mint, in Llantrisant, is the official coin maker in the UK. Describing their history on their website, they said: "With a history spanning more than 1,100 years, The Royal Mint is a British maker of thoughtfully designed products and services as well as being the world’s leading export mint. We make original coin collections and gifts to celebrate special moments, and offer eye-opening experiences, investment opportunities and currency solutions."
Following the Queen's death the company experienced high volumes of visitors mostly from people trying to get their hands on limited edition coins. The Queen's death struck at the heart of the company, which described it as an extraordinarily sad time.
Anne Jessopp, chief executive officer at The Royal Mint, said: “On behalf of everyone at The Royal Mint I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Royal family at this extraordinarily sad time. Queen Elizabeth II ruled with heart and devotion and will be dearly missed by all of us at The Royal Mint and by millions of people around the world.
“The Royal Mint worked with Her Late Majesty throughout her reign – detailing her journey from new Queen to respected head of state across five coin portraits and ensuring each new UK coin received her personal seal of approval. The remarkable legacy of Britain’s longest-serving monarch will live on for many years to come.”
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