The first ever circulating 50p series designed by the public are revealed today!
Nations designs on 50p coins for London 2012!
13 Oct 2010
For the first time in its 1,100 year long history the Royal Mint is releasing a series of coins, designed by members of the British public, into nationwide circulation.
The 50p coins showcase each of the 29 Olympic and Paralympic sports to be contested during London 2012 and are set to become a long lasting legacy of the London 2012 Games.
Over 27,000 designs were submitted to the Royal Mint following the launch of a public competition in January 2009. After months of debate and consultation the final 29 coin designs were chosen anonymously by a panel of representatives of the Royal Mint, London 2012 and the International Olympic Committee. And like every UK coin in use today, each design also had to obtain final approval from the Treasury and Her Majesty The Queen.
The winners come from a diverse range of professions, backgrounds and locations across the country, including a policeman from Manchester, a part time chef from Cornwall and a 75 year old retired social worker from Derby.
The collection also makes history by featuring designs from a 10 year old schoolgirl from Bristol and a 16 year old student from Pembrokeshire; the first child and teenager to design a circulating coin of the realm.
Dave Knight, the Royal Mint’s Director of Commemorative Coin, said: “Every coin captures the spirit, excitement and passion of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In isolation each is a work of art, together they are an inspirational portrait of a sporting phenomenon.”
London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said: “I’m looking forward to finding the first one in my change and collecting the entire range.”
