Nine-year-old designs Olympic coin

Nine-year-old Florence Jackson is delighted. She is the winner of a Blue Peter competition, beating off 17,000 other entries, and is happy to hold the proof in her hands.

But it's not a Blue Peter badge she's holding on to - it's a new 50 pence piece with her design on the back, the first to ever be designed by a child.

The image is taken from Florence's drawing of a cheerful high jumper clearing the bar.

The nine-year-old was at the Royal Mint to see her coin struck, accompanied by Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere and gold medallist Denise Lewis.

It will be the first of 29 limited commemorative issues to celebrate the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games in London.

Both historic and first-of-its kind, the coin is will be a highly-collectible item in years to come.

Florence, who loves drawing, was very surprised to win. The youngest person to design a 50p previously was Matthew Dent in 2008, aged 26.

"It was amazing to see my picture turned into a coin. I can't wait to see it in my pocket money." said an excited Florence.

The remaining issues will all depict an Olympic or Paralympic event.

Other famous coin designs featuring a sporting event include the 2004 50p, featuring athlete Roger Bannister's famous breaking of the 4-minute-mile barrier.

The design is the 17th to appear on the 50p - and is certainly worthy of further investigation if you are collector of rare or sports themed coins, or Olympic memorabilia.

Since 1958, Blue Peter has been one of the UK's longest running and popular children's TV programmes, famously awarding competition winners its iconic Blue Peter Badge.

 

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