It will be available for sale from November 4 on the occasion of Diwali.
The life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement, will be remembered for the first time on the coin of British Special Collectors, UK Treasury chief Rishi Sunak announced on Thursday.
The round coin, which features India’s national flower, the lotus, and a famous quote from Gandhi saying “My life is my message,” is part of the Royal Mint’s collection to mark the Hindu festival of Diwali.
The announcement is the first time a man known for his non-violent protest for Indian independence will be remembered on an official UK coin.
“As a practicing Hindu, I am proud to unveil this coin during Diwali” [Deepavali]Mr. Sunak said in a statement. “Mahatma Gandhi played an important role in the movement for Indian independence and it is wonderful to have for the first time a UK coin to commemorate his remarkable life.”
The £5 coin will be made in gold and silver, and has legal tender status, although it is not intended for general circulation. It will be on sale from Thursday to coincide with Diwali, along with 1 g (0.035 oz) and 5 g (0.18 oz) gold bars and Britain’s first gold bar, which depicts Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth.
Mr Sunak launched a new “Diversity Built Britain” 50-paise coin last year as part of a campaign to fairly represent the contributions of minority communities in all walks of life. Nearly 10 million coins celebrating Britain’s diverse history went into circulation in October 2020.
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