Benjamin Britten commemorative 50p coin

The Royal Mint has revealed designs for the 50 pence coin being issued to commemorate Benjamin Britten's centenary. It is the first time that a composer has appeared on a British coin. The design is by Tom Phillips CBE RA. As well as his work as an artist, Philips is known for his work in opera as composer, librettist and set designer. His design for the Britten 50 pence coin features a quotation from Tennyson, 'Blow bugle blow, set the wild echoes flying', set to music by Britten in the Serenade for tenor, horn and strings with the name of the composer is framed in a double stave. The coin will be in circulation later this year and will be available from 27 September in commemorative gold proof, silver proof and brilliant uncirculated versions. Further information from the Royal Mint website.