George: Royal Baby Christening Coin Created

Ref: http://news.sky.com/story/1151489/george-royal-baby-christening-coin-created

The Royal Mint has created the first ever royal christening coin in the UK to mark Prince George’s baptism later this month.

The limited edition gold “kilo coin” is being sold for £50,000 – but a more affordable “Brilliant Uncirculated” £5 coin costs £13.

The £5 coin has been made in silver – because the crossing of a baby’s palm with silver is said to bring good health and prosperity to newborns – and gold to commemorate the royal celebration.

The Royal Mint said it has received thousands of pre-orders from within the UK and around the world.

The coin features the Lily Font from the Tower of London, two harp-playing cherubs and the royal motto ”Dieu et mon droit” (God and my right).

Before the special coin was created ahead of George’s christening on October 23, the design had to first be approved by his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Dr Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum, said: “It’s symbolic and it’s got dignity about it. Working that out and pitching it at the right level isn’t an easy thing to do.

“We’ve had to bring the royal couple along with us on this.”

The Queen and Chancellor George Osborne also had to sign off on the design.

Dr Clancy added: “They have considered it to be a good design for the subject.

“You don’t necessarily get a huge amount of detail beyond that. But that they like it is good enough for us.”

The designer of the coin, John Bergdahl, said it normally takes up to two years to produce a new coin, but the christening edition had to be made in around seven months because of the unknown details about the royal baby, such as its gender and name.

Mr Bergdahl said: “The design is baroque, a style that has been reborn many times and often featured in royal artwork and traditions.

“One element that I knew I wanted to incorporate was the Lily Font from the Tower of London, which is a strong tradition in christenings for the Royal Family.

“The motto is traditional and sums up the expectation carried by a young child, born to reign – regardless of gender – for the first time ever.

“Hopefully it will be timeless and it will still look as good in 100 years’ time as it does now.”