The Royal Family

Royal Mint Will Issue New £5 Coin To Mark Prince William’s 40th Birthday

The Royal Mint will issue a special £5 coin that will feature a portrait of Prince William to mark his 40th birthday.

The UK’s official coin producer has unveiled the coin ahead of the Duke’s birthday on June 21. The design, created by designer Thomas T Docherty, also incorporates the letter W and the number 40.

An inscription on the edge reads: “HRH The Duke of Cambridge.”

The Queen’s portrait will also appear on the other side of Prince William’s commemorative coin.

This marks the first time that Prince William, who is second in line to the throne, will appear alone on an official coin struck by the Royal Mint.

Alongside the £5 coin, a limited-edition two-piece set will also be released; one featuring a 0.25oz celebration coin and another a 1982 sovereign coin – which marks when the Duke was born.

Speaking of the design of the coin, Thomas explained: “The design strikes a balance between the fresh energy of His Royal Highness being a young dad with the ceremonial nature of his royal position.

“A three-quarter angle of the portrait creates a more dynamic portrait rather than a traditional side-on profile. I used certain clay sculpting techniques on a digital platform to achieve the style needed for the design, to translate effectively from two to three dimensions.

“Using technology, we can now produce designs and sculptures with better efficiency compared to when I began my career 17 years ago. There’s a high level of skills and craftsmanship needed to sculpt designs – the tools are different but the principles remain the same.”

Clare Maclennan from the Royal Mint, added: “The elegant design features a portrait of HRH alongside his royal cypher and the number 40, which pays homage to the maturity and grace of the prince who has become a senior member of the royal family, a devoted husband and a loving father of three, through the eyes of the world.

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