The first major event for London 2012 was the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games which marked the official handover of the Games to the next Host City. More than a billion people around the world watched as the Olympic Flag was passed from the Mayor of Beijing to the Mayor of London, followed by a performance of dance and music inviting the world to London for the 2012 Games.
To celebrate the successful bid of London 2012 and the official Handover Ceremony the Royal Mint has struck a commemorative legal tender £2 coin as a memento of this remarkable achievement. The £2 coin is produced to the highest Proof quality both in 22 carat gold and in sterling silver with the outer ring plated in fine gold. A £2 coin is also available in its base metal alloys of cupro-nickel and nickel-brass, displayed in a colourful presentation pack. These Olympic Games Handover Ceremony coins are the first to be issued in celebration of London 2012.