A portrait of Prince Philip will feature on a new special edition £5 coin to commemorate the royal’s life.

The Duke of Edinburgh had approved the design before his death, the Treasury said, and the coin is now being launched to mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday.

It bears the inscription: “HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 1921-2021.”

The coin follows a collection of new stamps released by the Royal Mail earlier in June, featuring black and white designs showing the duke in different stages of his life.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who unveiled the coin, said it was a fitting tribute to a man “who moved and inspired so many people around the world with his decades of service both to the nation and her majesty the Queen”.

He continued: “I’m proud to unveil the coin on Armed Forces Day, considering his distinguished naval career and unwavering dedication to our monarch and to his royal duties, and it is only right that he and the Queen are depicted together on both sides of it.”

The duke’s coin is being struck by the Royal Mint – for which he served as president of its advisory committee for 47 years – and is available from its website, as well as post offices around the UK and special stockists across the Commonwealth and worldwide, the Treasury said.

The Royal Mint will also make a £50,000 donation to the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Artist Ian Rank-Broadley was personally approved to create the design by the duke back in 2008. It is legal tender but has been designed as a limited-edition collectable or gift and will not be entering general circulation, the Treasury said.

Royal Mint chief executive Anne Jessopp said: “Since the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh in April, many have commented that he led a life well lived.

“He was the longest serving consort in British history, and patron or president to over 750 organisations – including The Royal Mint Advisory Committee.

“The Royal Mint has marked significant Royal events for centuries and is honoured to unveil an original new coin which celebrates the life and legacy of a remarkable man.

“It feels fitting that this coin – which was personally approved by the prince – will also support the work of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

“The awards have benefited millions of young people since they were formed in 1956, and are perhaps Prince Philip’s greatest legacy.”

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