Equestrian 50p coin to commemorate the 2012 Olympics
A new 50p coin celebrating equestrianism was been launched by the Royal Mint in the build-up to the London Olympic Games.
The coin, which features a jumping horse, is one of 29 designed by members of the public to represent the 29 Olympic and Paralympic sports to be contested in 2012.
The equestrian-themed coin was created by Thomas Babbage of Shipston-on-Stour.
Dave Knight, the Royal Mint’s director of commemorative coins, said: “The coins will become treasured mementos of the biggest sporting event to happen on UK shores for over half a century and we hope will encourage a new generation of collectors.
“Every coin captures the spirit, excitement and passion of the Olympics and Paralympics. In isolation each is a work of art, together they are an inspirational portrait of a sporting phenomenon.”
Thomas’ design will be found on millions of 50p coins in people’s change from this month, when the Royal Mint’s London 2012 sports collection goes into general circulation.
Alternatively a pristine uncirculated version of the equestrian coin is available to buy. Visit www.royalmint.com/sportscollection or call 0845 60 88 222 to purchase.
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A self-confessed newshound, farmer’s daughter and journalist of many years' experience, Charlotte worked on regional papers before joining H&H in 2007. A regular rider, she visited Ireland in 2010 to investigate the fate of Irish horses through the recession, to much acclaim, and reported from the FEI General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro in 2011. She left Horse & Hound in March 2013.