No other set captures the excitement of the run-up to and the opening of the London 2012 Games quite like this one. The four Countdown Coins, designed by Royal Mint engraver Claire Aldridge, feature different sports in a geometric style inspired by the shape of the London 2012 emblem and the structure of the Olympic Stadium. The coins are also reminiscent of a clock-face, suggesting the passing of time until the big event.
Each Countdown Coin represents a different Olympic sport. 2009 is Swimming, 2010 is Athletics, 2011 Cycling and 2012 shows three athletes on the winners’ podium.
All the coins have received official approval from the Palace and the Treasury and the obverse carries the iconic image of The Queen by sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS that is used on all UK legal tender coins.
The first coin you will receive is the 2010 Silver Proof £5 Countdown Coin. With your second coin you will receive a specially designed Certificate holder for each of the individual Certificates of Authenticity. This holder fits into the base of the impressive case with an integral presentation tray which arrives with your third coin.
Another benefit of this inspiring Silver Proof Set is that you are guaranteed to be able to acquire both the Olympic and Paralympic 2012 Silver Proof £5 Coins, so you can be sure you will have the complete collection to mark this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Art and design students all over Britain competed for the honour of creating the winning designs for the official Olympic and Paralympic £5 coins. Pippa Sanderson, who won the Paralympic design competition, has created a contemporary image incorporating an archery target and section of a wheel, a stopwatch and the face of Big Ben. Saiman Miah, an architectural student, impressed the judges with his stunning design incorporating an iconic London skyline and the London 2012 emblem featuring a Union Flag coloured infill on top of the silver.
This spectacular set of Silver Proof £5 Coins represents superb value, yet will forever be an outstanding reminder of the momentous year when the Olympic and Paralympic Games came to London.