Prince William is minted! Duke of Cambridge is set to feature on new £5 coin to mark 40th birthday 

The Duke of Cambridge’s 40th birthday on June 21 will be celebrated with a £5 coin featuring his portrait.

The coin features the number 40 and Prince William’s royal cypher – his initial W. Alongside the £5 coin, there will be a limited-edition 5oz gold coin (pictured), released before June 21, the Royal Mint said. 

Commemorative coins are intended as souvenirs, so rarely seen in circulation. Banks are not obliged to accept them.

It is the first time the duke, who is second in line to the throne, will appear alone on an official coin struck by the Royal Mint.

He previously appeared on a £5 coin with Kate to celebrate their wedding in 2011.

The coin, created by designer and engraver Thomas T Docherty, also features his portrait.

The Duke of Cambridge’s 40th birthday on June 21 will be celebrated with a £5 coin featuring his portrait

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II’s image, designed by Jody Clark, will be struck on the other side of the coin.

There will also be an inscription on the edge reading: ‘HRH The Duke of Cambridge’.

Clare Maclennan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: ‘The elegant design features a portrait of HRH alongside his royal cypher and the number 40, which pays homage to the maturity and grace of the prince who has become a senior member of the royal family, a devoted husband and a loving father of three, through the eyes of the world.

‘Marking this extra special occasion, we have also struck a limited edition gold coin made with 5oz of fine gold and struck in high relief to elevate the artistry of the design.

‘Our limited edition precious metal coins combine fine craftsmanship and rarity, making them an attractive keepsake for collectors and investors.’

Undated handout photo issued by the Royal Mint of the UK £5 silver proof coin obverse unveiled ahead of the Duke of Cambridge’s 40th birthday on June 21

Undated handout photo issued by the Royal Mint of the UK £5 gold proof coin obverse unveiled ahead of the Duke of Cambridge’s 40th birthday on June 21

Speaking of the design, Mr Docherty said: ‘The design strikes a balance between the fresh energy of His Royal Highness being a young dad with the ceremonial nature of his royal position.

‘A three-quarter angle of the portrait creates a more dynamic portrait rather than a traditional side-on profile.

‘I used certain clay sculpting techniques on a digital platform to achieve the style needed for the design, to translate effectively from two to three dimensions.

‘Using technology, we can now produce designs and sculptures with better efficiency compared to when I began my career 17 years ago.

‘There’s a high level of skills and craftsmanship needed to sculpt designs – the tools are different but the principles remain the same.’