Prince Philip to feature on commemorative £5 coin
The Royal Mint has unveiled a special commemorative £5 coin to celebrate the life and legacy of the Duke of Edinburgh.
The limited edition coin features an original new portrait that was approved by Prince Philip in 2008.
The coin, which is being released as part of Armed Forces Day, is designed to commemorate the Duke, who died in April and was the longest serving consort in British history.
“This coin is a fitting tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh, who moved and inspired so many people around the world with his decades of service both to the nation and Her Majesty The Queen,” said chancellor Rishi Sunak.
“I’m proud to unveil the coin on Armed Forces Day, considering his distinguished naval career and unwavering dedication to our monarch and to his royal duties, and it is only right that he and the Queen are depicted together on both sides of it.”
In keeping with royal tradition, the denomination of the memorial coin is a £5 crown — typically used to mark significant moments such as coronations and jubilees.
The Royal Mint will donate £50,000 to be split between the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the UK and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation.
Prince Philip had a keen interest in coins, serving as president of The Royal Mint Advisory Committee from 1952 until 1999.
In this role he oversaw the design of coins, medals and seals for the UK, including new coins bearing the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the move to decimalisation.
“The Royal Mint has marked significant Royal events for centuries, and is honoured to unveil an original new coin which celebrates the life and legacy of a remarkable man,” said Anne Jessopp, chief executive of The Royal Mint.
“It feels fitting that this coin — which was personally approved by the Prince — will also support the work of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. The Awards have benefited millions of young people since they were formed in 1956, and are perhaps Prince Philip’s greatest legacy.”