Sajid Javid confirms three million new Brexit coins will hit the streets from Friday
2 min read
Millions of special 50p coins to mark the "turning point" of Brexit day will enter circulation on 31 January, the Chancellor has confirmed.
Around three million coins bearing the inscription “peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations” and the date of 31 January are set to be released in an initial batch to mark the UK's departure.
Sajid Javid originally ordered the production of around a million coins in the same design for Britain's planned 31 October departure date last year.
But these had to be melted down by the Treasury when Brexit was delayed, with the metal set aside for the production of the current batch.
The coins were first proposed by Mr Javid’s precessory Philip Hammond to mark the original March 29, 2018 Brexit day. The then-chancellor had planned a limited batch of 10,000 coins.
Mr Javid said: "Leaving the European Union is a turning point in our history and this coin marks the beginning of this new chapter.”
He also confirmed that a further seven million Brexit coins will enter circulation later this year.
The Chancellor, who is also Master of the Mint, will present a coin from the very first batch to Boris Johnson this week.
Visitors to the Royal Mint will also be able to strike their own Brexit coin as part of a special event.
The European Parliament is expected to approve the UK’s withdrawal from the EU on Wednesday after it was signed by the Prime Minister and EU representatives last week.
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