First Look at Prince George’s Commemorative Coins
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The Royal Mint(LONDON) — If you have been counting down the days to the release of the commemorative coins marking the christening of His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge, your wait is over.
The U.K. Royal Mint has announced that production of the coins has begun and unveiled the design.
The public have their choice of nine coins in all to celebrate George, the firstborn child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, who will be christened at the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace on Oct. 23. The coins range in price from 13 pounds ($21) to a mere 50,000 pounds ($80,000) for a version containing a kilogram of gold,
Though varying in price, each coin contains the same design: two harp-playing cherubs flanking an inscription that reads, “To celebrate the Christening of Prince George of Cambridge 2013.” The design features the lily font traditionally used for royal christenings, the Royal Mint says on its website.
The coins were specially designed by English sculptor John Bergdahl and approved by Kate, William and Prince George’s great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
This is the first time a coin has been released for a royal christening and only a limited number of coins are being made available, the Royal Mint said.
His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge was born July 22 at 4:24 p.m., London time. He weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces, according to an official announcement from Kensington Palace four hours after the birth.
The christening coin is the second coin commissioned in George’s honor. The Royal Mint also sold silver coins to mark Prince George’s birth.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio