New coin launched for Prince George

Prince George’s second birthday, which will be celebrated next week, has been marked by a limited edition commemorative coin from the Royal Mint.
The Duke of Cambridge and his son, Prince George, after the christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at Sandringham on Sunday. Picture: Mario Testino / Art PartnerThe Duke of Cambridge and his son, Prince George, after the christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at Sandringham on Sunday. Picture: Mario Testino / Art Partner
The Duke of Cambridge and his son, Prince George, after the christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at Sandringham on Sunday. Picture: Mario Testino / Art Partner

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s toddler son’s birthday is on July 22 and a sterling silver £5 coin has been struck to mark the event.

The coin bears a contemporary re-imagining of the St George and the dragon legend by artist Christopher Le Brun while the other side features the current portrait of the Queen by Jody Clark.

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Priced at £80 and limited to 7,500 coins, its design has been approved by proud parents William and Kate, the Queen and Chancellor George Osborne.

St George is a familiar figure on British coinage, first appearing on certain gold coins issued during the reign of Henry VIII.

The classic St George and the dragon image created by Benedetto Pistrucci in 1817 has graced the coins of almost every monarch since George III, and Le Brun’s composition applies a dynamic and new approach to the portrayal of the classic tale.

The Royal Mint will also be minting limited edition “strike on the day” sovereigns to commemorate the young Prince’s birthday.

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Shane Bissett, director of commemorative coin and bullion at the Royal Mint said: “The choice of the St George design to honour Prince George’s birthday is an apt one - the name George has long had links with the British monarchy and its coinage, there having been six kings of that name during the Royal Mint’s 1,000 year history.

“The choice of a silver £5 coin is significant too as the tradition of crossing the palm of a new born baby with silver is a way to wish them wealth and good health throughout their life.”