Royal Mint Counts Down to London 2012 With Special Coin

The 2009 UK Countdown to London 2012 £5 coin is the first in a series of four beautifully crafted coins to be launched annually from now until 2012 and is available in gold, silver and cupro-nickel.This year's coin displays the number three to mark the start of the 3,2,1 count down to London 2012, designed in harmony with images of swimmers racing to the finish line.The design is surrounded by a framework border to symbolise the new Olympic stadium as seen from above.The gold and silver versions of the coin are the first UK £5 coins to feature the Olympic rings and logo in full colour.

Speaking about the launch, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said, 'The London Olympic Games is a once in a generation celebration for the whole of the UK, so I am delighted that the Royal Mint is playing its part.'

Dave Knight, Director of Commemorative Coin, added: 'We are truly honoured to be the official manufacturer and distributor of the London 2012 commemorative coin programme. This is a very exciting time for the Royal Mint and Great Britain.The Countdown to London 2012 coin is a great way for the British public to begin celebrating what will be a momentous sporting event.'

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe commented, "We have reached an important moment in our life-cycle. We're officially the next Host City of the summer Games and we've passed the half way point in our preparations. There's much to do between now and 2012, but we're well on track and we're thrilled to be working with the Royal Mint to commemorate three years to go. As the excitement builds over the next three years, it is fantastic to know that the Royal Mint will be alongside us, helping the whole country to join in with our celebrations."

The London 2012 Olympic Games will be the 30th Olympiad of the modern era and in keeping with this only 4,000 of the gold Proof coins have been made. They are available now at £1,295 each. In addition to the gold Proof coin, a limited issue of 30,000 silver Proof coins have also been produced, each available to purchase for £54.95.500,000 cupro-nickel coins have been produced to Brilliant Uncirculated standard and are available for £9.95 each.

The 2009 UK Countdown to London 2012 £5 Coin is an Official Licensed Product of London 2012 and as such is presented in specific London 2012 packaging and features the official London 2012 logo.

For further information or to purchase a coin, please visit www.royalmint.com/london2012 or call the Royal Mint Customer Services Team on 0845 60 88 222 (UK).