BIRMINGHAM’S ON THE MONEY WITH NEW 50P GAMES COIN
BRUMMIES will now be able to keep a piece of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games legacy for themselves with the launch of a collectable 50p coin.
The coin celebrated the Games coming to Birmingham this month with other coins representing each of the home nations and special colour editions.
The coin was inspired by the geometric designs which adorn the Library of Birmingham.
The coin will also have a direct part to play in the Games, being the official coin tossed across all team sports.
The Royal Mint has a history supporting the Commonwealth Games on British soil. This includes the first 50p to celebrate Commonwealth Games minted for Glasgow 2014.
The mint’s Natasha Preece designed the coins which can also be bought at the new Commonwealth Games megastore.
Ms Preece visited Birmingham and spoke about how the design process came about.
“When I was given the brief, it was a tricky one, to be honest. I had to represent so many people and so many sports all on one coin and the 50p is quite a small coin,” she said.
“I started my research and started to look at other things than people. I looked at textures and patterns, that’s how I came across the Library.
“The coin design is based on shapes and patterns associated with the Games and the city of Birmingham. This allowed me to create a design that represented the whole
Commonwealth family and stayed true to the core values of the Games.
“It’s really lovely. It’s quite striking, I would say, it’s instantly recognisable with Birmingham.”
Nicola Howell, chief commercial officer at The Royal Mint said: “Birmingham 2022 is an exciting global event in Britain’s sporting calendar, and The Royal Mint is marking this great occasion with a vibrant 50p design, celebrating the hundreds of talented athletes, the host city and everyone involved in representing the UK on the global stage. As the countdown continues, we are delighted to add new coins to the collection celebrating each of the home nations, with the team logo added to the original design.
“Complete with bespoke commemorative packing, the coins capture the spirit of support behind Team England, Team Northern Ireland, Team Scotland and Team Wales and we hope will be cherished by sports fans and collectors for years to come.
“Our longstanding partnership with Commonwealth Games continues to ensure that the world-renowned sporting occasion is etched in history on UK coin. In exciting news for 2022, the original coin will also play a vital role in this year’s Games, with the start of all team sports decided by the toss of the official commemorative coin.”
The coin collection is available in base metal, silver and gold at The Royal Mint - with the home nations sets released in brilliant uncirculated for £10 and special-edition colour for £18.