The Royal Mint reveals design of second UK £20 coin

The Royal Mint has unveiled the design of the UK's second £20 coin, commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.

The coin, designed by sculptor John Bergdahl, depicts the figure of Britannia watching over the first troops leaving for France at the start of the war, and was created by renowned sculptor John Bergdahl. The Royal Mint said that Bergdahl's design has 'captured the essence of the art deco style prevalent at the time, yet incorporates a contemporary twist.'

Minted in fine silver, and struck to Brilliant Uncirculated standard, the ‘Outbreak of War’ £20 coin is an official United Kingdom coin, and bears the current portrait of Her Majesty The Queen on its obverse by Ian Rank-Broadley. It will be limited to an issue of 250,000 coins, and follows on from the first ever £20 coin in October 2013, issued in honour of the birth of Prince George of Cambridge.

Commenting on his inspiration for the image, John Bergdahl said: 'I decided to use the figure of Britannia in order to represent all of the allies who took part, most of whom were British or drawn from the British Empire.

'I combined inspiration from two sources: the South African medal for war services and the First World War memorial plaque awarded to those who died, using an art deco style which I felt best reflected the period.'

OUTBREAK OF WAR UNITED KINGDOM £20 COIN DETAILS

Denomination: £20
Issuing authority: United Kingdom
Alloy: 999 Fine Silver
Weight: 15.71g
Diameter: 27.00mm
Edge: Milled
Quality: Brilliant uncirculated

For more information, or to order the coin, visit The Royal Mint's website.

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