A special commemorative 50 pence piece is set for release to celebrate the life of the late Stephen Hawking.
Royal Mint will reportedly soon be issuing the coin, which is said to feature a "stylised depiction of a black hole". In his lifetime, Hawking put forward several theories on black holes as well as the 'Big Bang', meaning the coin will pay tribute to the physicist's work.
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Stephen, who was diagnosed with at 21 with motor neurone disease, died on 14th March 2018 at the age of 76. Originally given two years to live by doctors, Hawking defied all odds and was considered a medical marvel as well as a genius in his field.
The new 50p will be minted on gold, standard silver, silver piedfort and cupro-nickel bases, just like other commemorative coins. It will have the words STEPHEN HAWKING stamped around the edges.
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While Royal Mint hasn't confirmed a release date, Coin Hunter estimates that it could be hear as soon as 14th March. The estimated date would obviously coincide with the first anniversary of his death.
Hawking would then become one of only three people in British history commemorated with a coin within a year of their death (Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother were the other two).
As it stands, it is unclear how many over these coins will be created - the less created, the more valuable the coin will be. Royal Mint hasn't let coin collectors know whether the 50 pence pieces will be released into general circulation. It is thought they will first be available to purchase on the Royal Mint website once launched.
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Prices for commemorative coins usually start at £10, depending on whether you choose a gold, standard silver, silver piedfort and cupro-nickel base.
Royal Mint also released a special coin to celebrate 20 years of the Gruffalo this month.
Featured Image Credit: Coin Hunter/PA ImagesTopics: Celebrity News