Release of a commemorative coin is perhaps the best way of honoring a special event. And what can be more special than the London Olympics 2012 for Great Britain? A gold and silver coin honoring the upcoming event was unveiled at London’s Royal Academy of Art. Perhaps inspired by the auction of the world’s largest and most expensive gold coin by Perth Mint, worth $57.34 million the British coin has been designed by renowned sculptor Sir Anthony Caro and made by Royal Mint England. The Royal Coins have always found a place in history and art museums.
This is the first time that one kilo coin has been made in England. In fact the 1971 coinage act had to be suitably amended for the purpose as the act limits the weight of the coins made in UK. The cost of the coin is $155,707 and only sixty coins have been planned. You have to be lucky to own one as there will be many who would want to buy one of the special coins. The gold coin has the Queen Elizabeth’s carving. The Queen had personally approved the design.
Ian Rank Broadley has created the effigy of the Queen on the coin. He has been responsible for all the designs of HRH appearing on all the UK and Commonwealth coinage since 1998. The London 2012 logo on the coin is framed by a wreath. The logos of some sports equipment used for the games like football, athletics and weightlifting have also found a place on the coin. Along with the gold coin a Silver Kilo Coin has also been designed by the Royal Mint. Globally celebrated artist Tom Phillips was commissioned for the design. 2,012 pieces of the silver coin will be made and presented in intricately crafted box along with an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
