Friday, October 21, 2016

Britain’s Royal Mint turns to bishop for Christmas coin design

Britain’s Royal Mint has produced the UK’s first-ever Christmas coin – and has turned to the Church in Wales’ Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, for its design. 

Bishop Gregory, a former deputy secretary general of the Anglican Communion, designed the UK’s last round-pound, which was released in May.
 
The Royal Mint are issuing just 30,000 of the new £20 silver coins.

They have been produced for the collectors’ market and, while legal tender, are not designed to enter general circulation. 

People who purchase the coin will also receive a specially designed booklet “with space to note down your favourite moments of 2016 and wishes for the coming year,” the Royal Mint say.

“Commemorative coins are generally treasured for their aesthetic and collectable value, or for their rarity,” they said. 

“Collectors appreciate the detailed hand-finished processes and expert skills used to make them.”

The design features the Magi’s visit to the holy family, bringing gifts in homage to Jesus.