Royal Mint turns to bishop for Christmas coin design

Photo: The Royal Mint

[ACNS, by Gavin Drake] The Royal Mint has produced the UK’s first-ever Christmas coin – and has turned to the Church in Wales’ Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, for its design. Bishop Gregory, a former deputy secretary general of the Anglican Communion, designed the UK’s last round-pound, which was released in May.

The Royal Mint is issuing just 30,000 of the new £20 silver coins They have been produced for the collectors’ market and, while legal tender, are not designed to enter general circulation. People who purchase the coin will also receive a specially designed booklet “with space to note down your favourite moments of 2016 and wishes for the coming year,” the Royal Mint said in a statement.

“Commemorative coins are generally treasured for their aesthetic and collectable value, or for their rarity,” the statement added. “Collectors appreciate the detailed hand-finished processes and expert skills used to make them.”

The design features the Magi’s visit to the holy family, bringing gifts in homage to Jesus.