Rebecca Adlington 'thrilled' to unveil commemorative Glasgow Commonwealth Games 50p coins
The Royal Mint has released commemorative Glasgow 2014 50 pence coins to celebrate the Scottish city’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games.
Adlington thrilled to be involved in the coinage
The Royal Mint, which is over ten centuries old, will produce the coins to serve as a reminder of Glasgow's shot at hosting the historic British sporting event.
The coin was designed to showcase Scotland’s success in the fields of athletics and cycling with designers Alex Loudon and Dan Flashman also electing to add a Scottish Saltire.
Additionally, the coin font was based upon the writing of Glasgow-born architect, artist and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Earlier this year, Rebecca Adlington, 2012 Olympics gold medalist visited the mint to strike the commemorative 50p. She said: "As an ambassador for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, I'm absolutely thrilled to have been invited to strike the gold 50p coin celebrating the event.”
The coins entered production when European champion hurdler Rhys Williams visited the Royal Mint during the Queen’s baton relay on April 25.
Shane Bissett, director of commemorative coin and bullion at the Royal Mint, said: “For over 1,000 years, the Royal Mint has been producing British coins that have recorded the passing of history, documenting changes in monarchs, customs and national themes.
“We are thrilled to be able to show our support for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and have the opportunity to commemorate this historical event.”
Andrew Mills, director of circulating coin, said: “We’re thrilled that now, with the release of the Glasgow 2014 50p coin into circulation, the whole country can celebrate an event which will be an historic one for the United Kingdom - by having a piece of sporting history commemorated in its change”.
The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games commemorative 50p pieces are available to purchase online.