The Royal Mint has unveiled a special £5 coin featuring Prince William’s portrait and cypher, which will be given to him as a birthday present this year.
The Duke of Cambridge will be featured on a coin for the first time, and his grandmother, the Queen, will be featured on the back of the coin. On the edge, there will be an inscription reading “HRH The Duke of Cambridge.” Jody Clark created the Queen’s portrait, while Thomas T. Docherty created the portrait of William.
Photo: © Getty Images
There will also be a limited-edition two-piece set, one featuring a 0.25oz celebration coin and the other a 1982 sovereign coin – the year the Duke was born.
Another coin will be released, and it will be designed using laser technology to create a “high relief finish,” which will improve the quality of William’s portrait.
Thomas explained the coin’s design as follows: “The design strikes a balance between His Royal Highness’s fresh energy as a young father and the ceremonial nature of his royal position.
Photo: © Getty Images
“Rather than a traditional side-on profile, a three-quarter angle creates a more dynamic portrait. To achieve the style needed for the design, I used digital clay sculpting techniques to translate effectively from two to three dimensions.
“We can now produce designs and sculptures with greater efficiency thanks to technology than we could 17 years ago. Sculpting designs requires a high level of skill and craftsmanship; the tools vary, but the principles remain the same.”
The Royal Mint’s director of commemorative coin, Clare Maclennan, added: “Through the eyes of the world, the elegant design features a portrait of HRH alongside his royal cypher and the number 40, which pays homage to the prince’s maturity and grace as a senior member of the royal family, a devoted husband, and a loving father of three.
“To commemorate this extra-special occasion, we’ve created a limited-edition gold coin crafted from 5 oz of fine gold and struck in high relief to highlight the design’s artistry.
“Our limited-edition precious metal coins combine fine craftsmanship with rarity, making them a desirable keepsake for investors and collectors.”
