The Royal Mint is releasing a coin to celebrate Prince George of Cambridge’s second birthday.
A special 925 sterling silver £5 coin will be struck in honour of the Prince’s birthday, and bears a contemporary St. George and the Dragon image, by Christopher Le Brun RA.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Queen and Chancellor George Osborne have all approved the design, which is restricted to a limited mintage of just 7,500 coins. The obverse of the coin features the current portrait of Her Majesty the Queen by Jody Clark.
This piece of history will cost you £80.
St. George first appeared on English coins during the reign of Henry VIII, and has been featured on the currency of each Monarch since George III.
The Royal Mint will also be minting limited edition ‘strike on the day’ Sovereigns to commemorate George’s birthday – the St. George and the Dragon legend has usually featured on The Royal Mint’s flagship coin since its reintroduction in 1817.
George’s birth was marked with the release of a limited edition penny, for any other child born on the same day as him, and a further 10,000 special silver coins were minted to mark the occasion for the public to buy; they sold out within days.
Princess Charlotte’s birth was also marked with a coin, along with her christening on 5th July.
Shane Bissett, Director of Commemorative Coin and Bullion at The Royal Mint said:
“The choice of the St George design to honour Prince George’s birthday is an apt one – the name George has long had links with the British monarchy and its coinage, there having been six Kings of that name during The Royal Mint’s 1,000 year history.
“The choice of a silver £5 coin is significant too as the tradition of crossing the palm of a new born baby with silver is a way to wish them wealth and good health throughout their life.”
You can buy the coin here.
Photos: Royal Mint
