New coins marking Chinese New Year in the UK are set for release by the Royal Mint.
The coins, to be issued on Chinese New Year on Tuesday, celebrate the Year of the Pig.
The Royal Mint said its latest collection celebrates the UK’s multi-cultural society, while also marking the final stage of the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle.
Nicola Howell, director of consumer business at the Royal Mint, said the new coins celebrate the “centuries-old Chinese tradition of giving coins at the lunar new year”.
The pieces, which come in gold and silver forms, were designed by wood engraver and stone carver Harry Brockway.
It comes as London gears up for its massive Chinese New Year celebrations on Sunday, with more than 700,000 people expected to descend on central London.
People born in the Year of the Pig are said to be kind and gentle, being the most selfless of all the zodiacs.
