Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. The five ounces (5 oz) gold coins are denominated as either ten pounds (£10) or five hundred pounds (£500).
The coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at bullion investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art. The coins are typically "one-year" types usually issued in parallel with smaller denominations with the same reverse designs.
This commemorative five ounces gold coin was issued to mark the London Olympics in 2012, and is the first gold five-ounce coin issued by the Royal Mint.
The Pegasus design on the reverse is a celebration of the Games by Royal Academy President Christopher Le Brun. A mythological creature, Pegasus has been chosen as a symbol of the Olympic spirit and representing the Olympic motto "Faster, Higher, Stronger". |