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A commemorative £20 coin with a Welsh dragon design has been released by The Royal Mint to celebrate the spirit of the Welsh people.

The silver coin, produced at The Royal Mint in Llantrisant , is designed to be collectible and not to be spent.

Anne Jessopp, director of the commemorative coin, said: “This Welsh dragon £20 coin portrays the Welsh spirit.”

'Home of the dragon'

She added: “It also portrays the excellence and craftsmanship of our workforce – something of which we are all so proud.”

The organisation recently opened a new Royal Mint Experience visitor attraction.

It has been based in Llantrisant since moving from Tower Hill in London in 1968.

The team behind the coin said the design also marks The Royal Mint’s journey from the heart of London to the “home of the dragon”.

They hope the coin will highlight the craftsmanship of their designers, engravers and toolmakers, as well as encouraging more people to visit The Royal Mint Experience.

The dragon design was created by sculptor Norman Sillman, who trained at the Royal College of Art.

He became a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy and received his first commission from The Royal Mint in 1958.

The design is taken from a drawing provided by the College of Arms.

It first appeared on the £1 coin in 1995 and 2000 as part of a series depicting the four nations of the United Kingdom – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Design to be collectible

The Welsh dragon £20 coin is purely commemorative meaning it is not designed to be spent and will not enter general circulation.

Ms Jessopp said: “The Welsh dragon is an enduring symbol of Wales and this coin is designed to celebrate the spirit of its people.”

The coin – called The Welsh Dragon Celebration 2016 UK £20 Fine Silver coin – is designed to be collectible and can be bought for £20.

The dragon is often seen as symbolising all things Welsh and is used by bodies including the Welsh Government, Visit Wales, and Sport Wales.