THE INSIDE STORY
THE ROYAL MINT GOLDEN GIFT FOR THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY
The Queen has received some unusual gifts over the years, but it’s all change with the Royal Mint’s offering for her 95th birthday in April.
To commemorate the occasion, the mint will be launching a range of coins featuring two new designs. What’s more, it is giving away 95 commemorative £5 coins to people also born in 1926.
The new designs include a posy filled with shamrocks, thistles, daffodils and roses by heraldic artist Timothy Noad, and (below right) nine roses for the Queen’s nine decades – with 54 leaves to symbolise the countries of the Commonwealth – from designer and sculptor Gary Breeze.
In addition, all the coins bear the inscription: “My heart and my devotion,” from the Queen’s first televised speech as monarch in December 1957.
Nominations to win the special £5 coins can be made via the Royal Mint website until 19 April.
Collectors will also be quids in if they buy one of the Gold Proof Kilo coins (below left). With only 15 available, they weigh in at more than 2lb and have an equally hefty price tag of £65,275.
Visit royalmint.com/95giveaway.
THE PRINCE OF WALES SAYS ‘CURRY ON RAISING FUNDS’
According to his son the Duke of Sussex, the Prince of
