Yesterday, a new 50 pence for 2012 London Olympic coin had been released by The Royal Mint, UK. The last coin for the London 2012 Olympic series designed by a man from south Warwickshire. After months of debate and consultation the final 29 coin designs were chosen anonymously by a panel made up of independent experts, representatives of the Royal Mint, London 2012 and the International Olympic Committee. The new and last 50 pence will be showjumping (equestrian) designed by Thomas Babbage.
Photo by BBC News: Thomas Babbage and his winning design.
"The horse one was the one they decided was good to put on a coin. It's quite small but the image of a horse jumping over fences is not entirely how you might expect it to. They've used the crosshatching from my drawing in the 3D casting so it's quite unusual," Thomas said.
Art graduate Thomas Babbage, originally from Tredington near Shipston-on-Stour, saw the advert for the competition on the internet and decided to submit a number of designs for the different sports in a variety of styles.
"It's strange but nice to know you've done something that will go into people's pockets. But I'm keeping my feet on the ground!" He added.
From nearly 30,000 entries submitted, Mr Babbage was one of just 29 winners. All the winning designs had to obtain final approval from the Treasury and The Queen. Mr Babbage's design will eventually be found on three million 50p coins, starting to be seen in general circulation from 13 October.
Dave Knight, the Royal Mint's Director of Commemorative Coins, said: "Every one of the winners is making history. Their coins will become treasured mementos of the biggest sporting event to happen on UK shores for over half a century and we hope will encourage a new generation of collectors.
Visit www.royalmint.com to view all 29 coins, learn more about the series and the designers and start your collection. This coins can be found in your pocket change by now. The winners (winning design) come from a diverse range of professions, backgrounds and locations across the country, including a policeman from Manchester, a delivery driver from Reading, a radiologist from Stoke, a bank clerk from Preston, a part time chef from Cornwall, an agronomist from Yorkshire and a 75 year old retired social worker from Derby.
Source: BBC, Royal Mint UK.
