5 heavyweight commemorates Victorian values

A NEW 5 coin will be wearing a hole in our pockets when it comes into circulation this summer.

The Royal Mint is launching the coin, which is twice the weight of the 2 coin, on Monday as a commemorative souvenir to mark the 100th anniversary of Queen Victoria's death.

The limited edition 5 will be available to collectors in silver and gold prior to becoming part of our common currency as a gold- coloured coin.

Designed by Mary Milner Dickens, the coin features the Great Exhibition of 1851, held at Crystal Palace and an engraved V surrounding a portrait of Queen Victoria.

Dr Ian Dungavell, director of The Victorian Society said: "This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the Victorian era and we are delighted that the Royal Mint is commemorating it with a new 5 coin.

"The Victorians introduced great social and technological advance and their ingenuity is seen in such astonishing buildings as the Crystal Palace.

The coin is a fitting tribute to such achievements."

The 5 Victorian Anniversary Crown will initially be sold for 9.95. These limited edition coins will be a higher quality than the standard 5 coins which will be manufactured by the Royal Mint factory in Wales and come into circulation in May. The collectors items can be obtained through the Royal Mint Coin Club on 01443 623456 or www.royalmint.com.

* The Queen will commemorate the death of her great-great- grandmother Queen Victoria at Castle Rising Church, near Sandringham, this Sunday. Also expected to attend is the Queen Mother, born while Victoria was on the throne.

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