Prince George Is Turning 2 – See How the Royal Mint Is Celebrating

Prince George’s second birthday on 22 July will be celebrated with the release of a commemorative coin. The £5 (about $8) coin bears an image of St. George and the dragon legend by respected artist Christopher Le Brun on one side and a current portrait of the queen by Jody Clark on the other. The classic St George and the dragon image was created by Benedetto Pistrucci in 1817 and has graced the coins of nearly every monarch since George III.

According to the news reported by the Daily Mail, the design has been approved by Prince George’s proud parents, along with the Queen and Chancellor D’Exechequer George Osborne. The £5 coins will depict St George and the dragon, and will set you back £80 each.

St George is a familiar figure on British coinage, first appearing on certain gold coins issued during the reign of Henry VIII. The commemorative coin is minted in silver proof finish and will be released next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Royal Mint has also revealed a special commemorative coin minted earlier this month to celebrate the christening of Prince George’s little sister, Princess Charlotte.

The more limited editions, in precious metals, can make a return if they are held for long enough and sold at the right time.

Bissett added that the choice of a silver £5 coin has its own significance.

This is the fourth coin struck in George’s name: after coins to mark his birth, christening and first birthday. It was crafted by engraver John Bergdahl, who was also the creator of Prince George’s commemorative christening coin in October 2013. He informed that there have been six kings of the same name during the Royal Mint’s 1,000 year history.

Days after his birth 2,013 silver pennies were given out to babies born on the same day.