On Diwali, UK unveils a £5 commemorative coin celebrating Mahatma Gandhi

Chief Customer Officer for The Royal Mint, Nicola Howell, had said, "We are delighted to unveil the first official UK coin commemorating the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. The beautiful design builds on the enduring relationship and cultural connections between the UK and India."

New Delhi: A new £5 coin to commemorate the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi has been unveiled by the United Kingdom's government on the occasion of Diwali. Available in a range of standards, including gold and silver, the special collectors' coin was designed by Heena Glover and features an image of a lotus, India's national flower, alongside one of Gandhi's most famous quotes - 'My life is my message', UK High Commission here said in a statement.

Building on the enduring relationship and cultural connections between the UK and India, it is the first time that Gandhi has been commemorated on an official UK coin with the final design chosen by UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who is the Master of the Mint. UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak said, "This coin is a fitting tribute to an influential leader who inspired millions of people around the world. As a practicing Hindu, I am proud to unveil this coin during Diwali. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the movement for Indian independence and it is fantastic to have a UK coin commemorating his remarkable life for the first time."

The £5 coin, which goes on sale today, is part of the Royal Mint's wider Diwali collection, which includes 1g and 5g gold bars in henna-style packaging, and the UK's first gold bar depicting Lakshmi - the Hindu goddess of wealth.The 20g gold Lakshmi bar was designed in partnership with the Hindu community in South Wales, where the Royal Mint is based.