First coin of the Star Wars collection revealed by The Royal Mint 

At a coin launch, The Royal Mint unveiled the first coin design from its new Star Wars™ collection in Llantrisant, South Wales, to the world.

This is the first time the iconic characters from the original Star Wars trilogy have appeared on official UK coins, including the 50 pence coin, 

the country's most collected coin. The images of R2-D2™ and C-3PO™ are the first to be part of the four-piece collection. 

Both figures are featured in the Millennium Falcon, the infamous spaceship that played a role in some of the greatest victories of the Rebel Alliance and the New Republic. 

Other coins in the collection feature Darth Vader™ and Emperor Palpatine™, Luke Skywalker™ and Princess Leia™, and Han Solo™ and Chewbacca™.

The Royal Mint's Star Wars collection offers avid Star Wars fans an original way to expand their memorabilia collection.

Experienced coin designer Ffion Gwillim has brought the brainchild of American filmmaker George Lucas to life on British coins in collaboration with the Walt Disney Company. 

Combining traditional minting techniques with cutting-edge technology, the Royal Mint's artisans have faithfully depicted the R2-D2 and C-3PO characters in vibrant color on official British coins for the first time.

Each coin in the Star Wars Commemorative Coin Collection features a special lenticular that tilts in the light to reveal the symbols. 

The lenticular on the first coin in the collection shows both Tatooine and the Rebel Alliance's "Starbird" logo. 

An advanced picosecond laser was used by the Royal Mint to imprint the intricate design onto the minting dies to ensure accuracy and create an 

additional special effect that further enhances the coin's design. The addition of the coin to the Star Wars collection introduces a new audience to the Royal Mint's special minting techniques. 

The only exception is the quarter ounce gold, which features a static image instead of the lenticular effect.

The first coin in the collection, which celebrates the iconic characters from Star Wars and comes in 50 pence and ounce sizes, 

will be available for purchase via the Royal Mint's website from July 10 at 9am (BST). Customers will also have the opportunity to secure all four coins on the day of the official launch.

Source:www.royalmint.com