The Royal Mint announces Welsh Dragon Silver £20 coin

02 Jul 2016

The Royal Mint has struck a commemorative fine silver £20 coin featuring the Welsh dragon – an enduring symbol of Wales - celebrating the spirit of its people.

The organisation, which has recently opened its brand new family-friendly ‘Royal Mint Experience’ visitor attraction, has been based in Llantrisant, South Wales, since its move from Tower Hill in 1968. The Welsh Dragon Celebration 2016 UK £20 Fine Silver coin marks The Royal Mint’s journey from the heart of London to the ‘home of the dragon’ and highlights the opening of The Royal Mint Experience, along with the world-renowned craftsmanship of The Royal Mint’s designers, engravers and toolmakers.

Director of Commemorative Coin, Anne Jessopp, said: “This Welsh Dragon £20 coin portrays the Welsh spirit and the excellence and craftsmanship of our workforce - something of which we are all so proud.”

About the design

The dragon design is by sculptor Norman Sillman who trained at the Royal College of Art and became a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy. He received his first commission from The Royal Mint in 1958.

The design is taken from a drawing provided by the College of Arms. It first appeared on the £1 coin in 1995 and 2000 as part of a series depicting the four nations of the United Kingdom, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Welsh Dragon fine silver coin is a commemorative coin, which is not designed to be spent and will not be entering general circulation; it has been struck in a Brilliant Uncirculated ‘mint condition’ finish designed to be a limited edition collectable, retailing at £20.00.