Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip remembered with limited-edition 5-pound coin on U.K.'s Armed Forces Day

Associated Press

LONDON — Britain’s Treasury has unveiled a new special edition coin to commemorate the life of Prince Philip, who died in April at the age of 99.

The Treasury said Saturday that the design of the 5-pound coin had been approved by Philip in 2008. It features an original portrait of Philip, drawn by artist Ian Rank-Broadley.

Though it is legal tender, the coin has been designed as a limited-edition collectable or gift and will not be entering general circulation. Britain issues a £5 banknote, known as a “fiver,” the lowest-denomination note in circulation.

Philip was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years. The other side of the coin features the 95-year-old monarch, as is custom on British coins.

Prince Philip's life:Who is Prince Philip and why was he not a king? What to know about Queen Elizabeth II's late husband

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The coin has been launched on what is Armed Forces Day in the U.K. Philip had a distinguished naval career.

This undated photo issued by HM Treasury shows the silver and gold coins commemorating the life of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, unveiled by Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Saturday June 26, 2021. The special edition 5 pound coin features an original portrait of the Duke and the coin's design was approved by the Duke before his death. (HM Treasury via AP)

“This coin is a fitting tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, who moved and inspired so many people around the world with his decades of service both to the nation and her majesty the Queen,” Treasury chief Rishi Sunak said.

More:Joe, Jill Biden join Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle for tea following G-7 Summit

The coin will be available from the Royal Mint’s website, as well as post offices around the U.K. and special stockists across the Commonwealth and worldwide.

The Royal Mint, which has marked significant royal events for centuries, will also make a 50,000-pound ($70,000) donation to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to support its community work in the U.K. and internationally.

Before Prince Philip's death, he was admitted to a London hospital on Feb. 16 after feeling unwell. He returned to Windsor Castle almost a month later after the longest hospitalization of his life. He was later transferred to another London hospital where he underwent a heart procedure, and then returned to King Edward VII Hospital where he stayed until his release.

Featured Weekly Ad