The Royal Mint release London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic 50p coins

The Royal Mint has unveiled a series of 29 new 50p coins designed by the nation in honour of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Each coin features one of the sports to be contested during London 2012.

The designs are the result of a nationwide competition with members of the public submitting nearly 30,000 ideas for consideration.

The 29 designs were created by 27 members of the public from across the country, two of which managed to secure two winning designs. The final coins were chosen anonymously by a panel made up of independent experts, representatives of the Royal Mint, London 2012 and the International Olympic Committee.  Like all UK coins, the selection received final approval from the Treasury and Her Majesty The Queen.

The uncirculated collectable versions of the new designs will be available to purchase over the coming nine months and will retail at £2.99 plus p+p.

This news story was first published in the December issue of Collectors Gazette. To see which issues of Collectors Gazette are available to buy online, click here.