Tuesday, January 5, 1999 Published at 17:37 GMT
Collectors await Diana coins
Bank of England Executive Michael Sedgewick inspects a coin
A new £5 coin dedicated to the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, has been launched by the Royal Mint.
The coin is the first of four official memorials recommended by the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Committee.
The chairman of the committee, Chancellor Gordon Brown, said: "The Diana Memorial Committee received over 10,000 suggestions from people in all walks of life.
"I know that many people want a fitting and lasting reminder of Diana, Princess of Wales.
"I am sure that this official commemorative coin will be treasured by the people of Great Britain."
The committee recommended the coin as a simple and tasteful memorial that would be welcomed by the public.
Three collectors' versions of the coin have been designed. The cheapest is a base metal version which comes in an illustrated presentation folder and is priced £9.95.
The silver version, of which 350,000 will be minted, costs £32.50 while a gold version, with just 7,500 made, goes on sale for £595.
They will also come with a presentation case, but they will not be available until April.
The other three official memorials recommended by the committee are Diana nurses to care for sick children, a children's playground near the princess's Kensington Palace home and an achievement award for secondary school children.
There will also be a commemorative walk through London's parks.
The coin is the only memento to be sanctioned by the Queen, the government and Diana's family.
A contribution from the sale of the coins will go to funding memorials.
It is the first time a British legal tender coin has been used in this way.