Royal Mint to mark NATO Summit
The Royal Mint has created a special commemorative piece to mark this September’s NATO Wales 2014 Summit.
Over 150 limited-edition pieces are being produced at the Llantrisant site in South Wales. These will be given to every world leader attending the summit as a memento of what is set to be a vital summit for the future of NATO.
A piece will also be given to all 57 schools in Newport as a memento of the special role the City of Newport is playing in the summit.
Wales Office Minister Baroness Randerson will join the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Newport at the Royal Mint in Pontyclun today (13 August) to see the striking of the final piece. They will also be joined by Welsh cadets from across the forces who will represent some of the schools receiving the pieces.
The Royal Mint, which has an unbroken history of minting British coinage dating back more than 1,100 years, employs over 900 people locally in South Wales and provides the currency for over 60 countries worldwide.
Each bronze piece is 63mm in diameter and was designed by the Royal Mint’s talented engraver Jody Clark. One side features the iconic map of Wales with “NATO Summit Wales 2014” in both English and Welsh, with the NATO logo on the other side.
The design was developed using modern computer-aided techniques and then transferred to a three dimensional model where it was enhanced before bespoke traditional tools were created to strike the special commemorative pieces.
The pieces will be presented to the leaders and delivered to schools – with some pieces hand-delivered – around the summit this September.
Wales Office Minister Baroness Randerson said:
I’m delighted to see the striking of the commemorative piece at the Royal Mint for next month’s NATO Summit in Newport.
It is a great way to help mark the biggest gathering of world leaders the UK has ever hosted and no doubt will also create a strong sense of pride and excitement in communities across Wales.
The summit is a huge opportunity to showcase Wales and all that it has to offer on the global stage - I am confident that we can rise to the challenge.
Shane Bissett, The Royal Mint’s Director of Commemorative Coin, Medals and Bullion, said:
We have been a highly respected and trusted source of coins and commemorative pieces for kings, queens and governments for over 1,000 years, producing British coins that have recorded the passing of history, changes in monarchs, national themes and important events.
The Royal Mint has long been trusted with the currencies of other countries too, supplying more than 60 worldwide. It is our great honour to have the opportunity to mark this year’s NATO Wales 2014 Summit in this way, and leave the world leaders with a lasting reminder of their visit to Wales.
Find out more about NATO Summit Wales 2014 or follow the official summit Twitter account @NATOWales
Image courtesy of the Royal Mint.
Last updated 13 August 2014 + show all updates
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Added translation