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.