The Royal Mint is proud to unveil a set of six coins that represent the ‘body’ of Britain, capturing our land’s natural wonders and beauty. It forms part of the Celebration of Britain Collection that celebrates the Mind, Body and Spirit of Britain and its people, worthy of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. From Rhossili Bay coastline to the elegance of the Barn Owl, these six coins are a joy to behold. Furthermore, each coin is inscribed with a stirring quote from our nation’s most famous poets and authors.
The coins, all struck in sterling silver to superior Proof quality, are legal tender UK coins with a face value of £5 and have been officially endorsed by The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Every coin features the London 2012 insignia highlighted in full colour.
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A Celebration of Britain: The Body Collection features specially commissioned designs by Shane Greeves, who worked closely with the Royal Mint Engraving Team to produce this special coin collection that encapsulates the emotion, the wonders and the greatness of this nation and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The inscription and central image of each coin are brought together by a series of intersecting lines that cross the surface of the coin. These lines are details from the Golden Mean, a mathematical formula that has fascinated mathematicians, artists, psychologists and biologists for nearly 2,400 years. All six coins are housed in a specially designed presentation case and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and six informative Storycards.
The Coastline of Britain - From the famous white cliffs of Dover to the remote islands off Scotland, the coastline of Britain has made us the island nation we are today.
Britain’s Fauna – In Britain there is an increasing number of animals being regarded as threatened or endangered; examples include the Red Squirrel, the Eurasian Otter, and the Barn Owl.
Britain’s Weather - The weather has always been a major talking point in Britain, the rapid changes of weather from one day to the next, whatever the season, giving the nation a good enough reason for their renowned preoccupation.
The Rivers of Britain - Iconic images such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and London Bridge are just a few of the world famous landmarks sited by the river. The north bank of the Thames as far as Stratford will see the building of the Olympic site for the London 2012 Games when yet another chapter in the Thames’ rich history will be written.
The Oak - The oak has always been considered the national tree of England. Its great height, age and strength made it the king of the English forest and a symbol of endurance.
Giant’s Causeway - The spectacular complex of basalt columns packed together form ‘stepping stones’ leading from the foot of the cliff and disappearing under the sea and formed about 60 million years ago. Called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ in the 1700s, Giant’s Causeway is now a World Heritage site, National Nature Reserve and Northern Ireland’s Premier tourist attraction.