A special £5 platinum proof coin has been created by the Royal Mint to mark the 90th birthday of Prince Philip.

The coins are extremely rare - just 90 coins bearing the specially-commissioned birthday portrait of the Duke of Edinburgh will be made available and will each cost £5,450.

Coins bearing the image of Prince Philip, who has served as President of the Royal Mint Advisory Committee for more than 40 years, have also been minted in silver proof, gold proof and silver piedfort.

The birthday portrait that appears on the tails side was created by sculptor Mark Richards. He said the aim was to "convey the Duke of Edinburgh as a man of great personal warmth".

He added: "The work shows a close up portrait, rather than distant figurehead, that emphasises his gentle nature."

On the heads side is the current effigy of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley, which means it is the first coin in British history that features the monarch and consort on opposite sides.

The coin is housed in a deluxe display case with a uniquely numbered Certificate of Authenticity confirming its quality and low mintage limit.

Sources:

The 2011 UK Prince Philip 90th Birthday £5 Platinum Proof (10/06/11)

Discriminating against the old is right, says Philip on the eve of his 90th birthday celebrations (10/06/11)

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