The Royal Mint is to launch a special commemorative coin to celebrate the contribution to public life of The Duke of Edinburgh, in recognition of the almost 80 years he has spent in selfless and dedicated service to his county and to Her Majesty The Queen.
To mark the occasion, His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, will be striking the very first coin during a visit to The Royal Mint’s visitor centre, The Royal Mint Experience, on Tuesday 11 July. It is hoped that this will be a very special moment for the Prince, with the reverse of the coin bearing an image of his Father Prince Philip, and the obverse – or front – of the coin featuring a portrait of his Mother, The Queen.
During his visit, The Prince of Wales will take a tour through The Royal Mint’s visitor attraction, The Royal Mint Experience, which was opened in 2016, and will visit the Coin Press Room, where he will meet the Royal Mint staff involved in the production of the new £1 coin.
Prince Philip served as President of the Royal Mint Advisory Committee from 1952 until 1999, an unbroken period of 47 years. Every UK coin and medal produced by The Royal Mint over this time, including four portraits of The Queen, has been discussed and approved by the committee he chaired.
Adam Lawrence, Chief Executive of The Royal Mint, said: “The Royal Mint is honored to be welcoming His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to The Royal Mint Experience. We are particularly delighted that he will be striking the very first of the coins that will celebrate the contribution that The Duke of Edinburgh has made to public life.”
The Prince Philip Retirement coin will be available in Gold Proof and Silver Proof precious metal finishes as well as collectable Brilliant Uncirculated editions. The coin goes on sale on August 7 but the public can register their interest in the coin at www.royalmint.com/PrincePhilip.
