The Royal Mint has announced that in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Duke of Cambridge will issue a £5 coin with his portrait.

The Mint unveiled the coin ahead of Prince William’s birthday on June 21st.

For the first time, the Duke, second in line to the throne, will appear alone on an official UK coin minted by the Royal Mint.

Prince William’s face on the coin appears to be taken from a photograph taken at the Queen’s birthday party in June 2018 at the British Ambassador’s residence in Jordan.

The image on the coin was made by engraver Thomas T. Dougherty. The image of Queen Elizabeth II, engraved by Jody Clark, is minted on the other side of the coin.

The inscription “His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge” is engraved on the edge of the coin.

“The design strikes a balance between the energy of His Royal Highness, the young father, and the ceremonial nature of his royal position. The three-quarter angle of the portrait creates a more dynamic image than the traditional side profile,” said Daugherty.

“I have used certain clay sculpting techniques, but with digital equipment, to translate a 2D image into a 3D one. Using technology, we are now able to create designs and sculptures with greater efficiency than when I started my career 17 years ago. This requires a high level of skills and craftsmanship – the tools are different, but the principles remain the same,” the engraver explained.

Alongside the new £5 coin, a two-coin limited edition will be released, featuring a quarter ounce celebratory gold coin and a sovereign from 1982, the Duke’s birth year.

The collection will also include a limited edition solid gold coin weighing 5 ounces. The engraving on it is done with a laser, and the three-dimensional image of the duke will look more convex and distinct.

Previously, a portrait of William and the Duchess of Cambridge appeared on an official coin issued in 2011 to commemorate their wedding.

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