Three million commemorative Brexit 50p coins to enter circulation on Friday

Chancellor Sajid Javid holding the Brexit coin, a 50p bearing the inscription 'Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations'. Photograph: HM Treasury/PA. - Credit: PA

Chancellor Sajid Javid has unveiled the new commemorative 50p coin to mark Britain’s departure from the EU.

Phillip Hammond originally ordered production of the celebratory coins in advance of the original departure date of March 29th.

His successor Javid made another attempt for October 31st.

But the Brexit delays meant about a million coins had to be melted down and the metal put aside until a new exit date was confirmed.

The chancellor has now unveiled coins bearing the inscription “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations” and the date of January 31.

The Brexit coin, a 50p bearing the inscription ‘Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations’ and the date the UK leaves the EU. Photograph: HM Treasury/PA. – Credit: PA

He said: “Leaving the European Union is a turning point in our history and this coin marks the beginning of this new chapter.”

About three million Brexit coins will enter circulation around the UK from Friday, with a further seven million to be added later in the year.

Javid, who is master of the mint, was given the first batch of coins, and will present one to prime minister Boris Johnson this week.

As part of the launch of the coin, the Royal Mint will open its doors for 24 hours to let people strike their own commemorative Brexit coins.