Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary coins – released 10th July ©Royal Mint UKTo celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of the third chapter of Star Wars Saga, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedifour commemorative coins will be issued by the Royal Mint.
The third film in the original trilogy, starring Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, was released in 1983.
It is the first time that iconic characters from the original Star Wars trilogy will appear on official UK coinage.
The first 50p coin features iconic characters R2-D2 and C-3PO, and the collection will also include Darth VaderEmperor Palpatine, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo and Chewbacca.
Coin designer Ffion Gwillim brought the characters to life by working in partnership with The Walt Disney Company and combining traditional minting techniques with cutting-edge technology. This means that Royal Mint artisans have been able to reproduce R2-D2 and C-3PO in vivid colors for the first time on coins. Additionally, each coin in the Star Wars collection will feature a special “lenticular feature” that reveals symbols when tilted in the light, including the Rebel Alliance’s “Starbird” logo.
First 50p coin to be unveiled, featuring R2D2 and C3PORoyal Mint UKRebecca Morgan, Director of Collection Services at The Royal Mint, siad: “We are delighted to launch an out-of-this-world collection to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.”
“We are thrilled to excite new and existing coin collectors around the world, as well as the burgeoning Star Wars fan base both in the UK and internationally, with the launch of this collection,” he added.
According to The Royal Mint, coin collecting remains Britain’s favorite hobby.
The first coin in the collection will be available for purchase at 9am on Royal Mint website on July 10th. So, whether you’re a fan of Star Wars memorabilia or an avid coin collector, the Royal Mint’s website will definitely be worth the R2-Detour.
