The Design

Stonehenge

The image of Stonehenge highlights the advancements made by ancient civilizations. And the quotation from the poet and painter William Blake 'Great things are done when men and mountains meet', can be seen as defining the commitment needed to overcome sporting challenges, while at the same time alluding to the neolithic monument itself.

The Flying Scotsman

Industrialisation first started in Britain and it has since re-shaped the world. Steam power was hugely important to this and so the Flying Scotsman has been taken as a symbol of Britain's industrial heritage. The quotation 'True hope is swift' is taken from William Shakespeare's Richard III and represents the speed of the Flying Scotsman as well as being a sentiment with which all Olympians could associate.

The Globe Theatre

Even 400 years after his death, William Shakespeare remains one of the most celebrated of writers. The Globe Theatre has become a hugely popular focal point for the study and enjoyment of Shakespeare's plays. The quotation, 'We are such stuff as dreams are made on', is taken from The Tempest and aims to sum up the hopes and ideals of sports men and women in approaching the London 2012 Games.

The Designer

Designer Shane Greeves worked closely with the Royal Mint Engraving Team to produce this special coin collection that encapsulates the emotion, the wonders and greatness of this nation, and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Shane says: 'The design concept for this silver series was developed to work across three chosen themes - the mind, body and spirit. The mind,representing the mental strength of our Olympic athletes, and our nation's achievements across the arts, technology and science. The body, celebrating the physical strength of our athletes, while exploring the wonders of the natural world across Britain. And finally, the spirit, praising the inner strength of our athletes, while portraying different aspects that occur across British life.'

By looking to our great poets and wordsmiths for inspiration and combining these quotes with striking and symbolic images, Shane has managed to harness the nation's pride whilst building excitement for London 2012.

Big Ben

The clock face of the Palace of Westminster on this coin symbolises democracy and the key role Britain has played through its Parliament in bringing democracy to the world. The quotation from the writer Walter Bagehot, 'Nations touch at their summits', is a way of referring to the Olympic Games as the pinnacle of sporting achievement as well as to Westminster as the symbol of a nation.

Angel of the North

For this coin, the principal element is the Angel of the North, a powerful symbol of the Northeast of England. The quotation, 'I have touched the highest point of all my greatness' comes from William Shakespeare's Henry VIII, and is intended to provide an unambiguous link with sporting achievement while also making a playful reference to the colossal size of the sculpture.

Sir Isaac Newton

This coin celebrates Sir Isaac Newton, a scientist respected for discoveries and insights that changed our understanding of the natural world. Eduardo Paolozzi's sculpture of Newton has become a symbol of the coming together of art and science. The quotation 'Make not your thoughts your prison' from Shakespeare's Anthony and Cleopatra, can be seen as a message to Olympians and non-Olympians alike to strive to achieve beyond their expectations.