The Royal Mint has unveiled new coin designs for 2014, including ones marking the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the anniversary of the start of World War One.
One of the new-look £2 coins carries the image of Lord Kitchener's iconic 'Your country needs you' call to action, another pays tribute to Trinity House, the coastal defences that have protected Britain's waters since 1514, which celebrates its 500th anniversary next year.
£1 coin designs feature the floral emblems of each nation, with the shamrock and flax plant of Northern Ireland and the thistle and bluebell of Scotland making an appearance. Shane Bissett, director of commemorative coins at The Royal Mint, commented: "We wanted to reveal the coins to the British public and show the incredible works of art they can expect to see enter circulation this year. This will no doubt entice many to take a closer look at their change, collect their favourites and realise that many might be worth holding on to."
Glasgow's Commonwealth Games are marked with commemorative designs, much like the London 2012 Olympics. 50p coins will carry designs featuring athletics and cycling along with the Scottish Saltire.
The new coins will come into circulation gradually with the new designs featuring on 50p, £1 and £2 coins. Current designs featured on coins will still be used, with some being replaced by the new designs as they become unfit for use.
