The 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games are scheduled to commence in London, England on July 27, 2012. Minting facilities from around the world have released special commemorative coins as part of the celebration of the games with the UK Royal Mint most recently issuing London 2012 UK Five Ounce Proof Coins in both gold and silver compositions.
These London 2012 proof coins not only celebrates the Olympic and Paralympic Games with a unique design, but they also have the distinction of being the UK’s first ever five-ounce legal tender coins. Each of the massive precious metals coins are composed either of .999 fine gold or .999 fine silver.
Depicted on the proof coins’ reverse is a flying Pegasus, the winged horse made famous in Greek mythology, which represents the Olympic ideals of ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’. Pegasus links back to the ancient history of the Olympic Games that started in Greece at around 776 BC.
"We are delighted to have this new design created especially for this coin by the influential international painter, sculptor and printmaker, Christopher Le Brun RA. Elected President of the Royal Academy in 2011, states the UK Royal Mint on the coin’s product page. "He is known for grand, resplendent works executed with exuberance and panache."
Reverse inscriptions on the proof coins include "LONDON OLYMPIC GAMES" and "2012."
The first five-ounce UK legal tender coins show the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. The portrait is surrounded by the inscriptions of "ELIZABETH II," "D G REG FD" and the face value of "TEN POUNDS." The initials of IRB are found below the portrait indicative of the artist.
At 65 mm in diameter, the proof coins provide an impressive medium for the artistic reverse design. The size also makes them an ideal showpiece for any coin collection.
The London 2012 UK Five Ounce Proof Coins may be ordered directly from the UK Royal Mint at www.royalmint.com. The gold piece is listed at £11,500.00 and the silver coin at £525.00. Each comes in a wood-veneer display case with a numbered certificate of authenticity.
Specifications for London 2012 Five Ounce Proof Coins
| Silver Proof | Gold Proof | |
| Denomination | £10 | £10 |
| Mintage Limit | 7,500 | 500 |
| Composition | .999 Fine Silver | .999 Fine Gold |
| Weight | 156.295 g | |
| Diameter | 65.00 mm | |
| Reverse Designer | Christopher Le Brun | |
| Obverse Designer | Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS | |
| Quality | Proof | |
i would like one of each please
Pegasus rules!
Wow! Look at those prices. That is over $800 for a 5 oz silver coin and over $17,000 for a 5 oz gold coin! $205 for a 5 oz ATB silver coin seems really cheap in comparison. I’ve seen a lot higher prices at other World Mints as well.
People that complain about Mint Prices need to get some perspective. I like the Pegasus design. The thing I like about it is the lack of border. Don’t care that much for the obverse. Reverse is so artistic and the obverse is standard.
$205 for a 5 oz ATB silver coin seems really cheap in comparison.
Amen!