Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is celebrated on a 50p coin!
What are the Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games is a sporting event for the Commonwealth Nations and began in 1930, with the first one being held in Canada. It was then known as the British Empire Games, and originally saw nearly 400 athletes from 11 different countries and territories take part.
Over its 92-year history, the Games have brought together a diverse group of nations, developing the three key values of humanity, quality, and destiny. The Commonwealth Games have been held every four years with the exceptions of 1942 and 1946 because of World War Two.
It was in 1978 that the event formally became known as the Commonwealth Games and this year, Birmingham will host the 22nd Commonwealth Games, marking the third time the Games return to England. The Games cover a wide array of action-packed sports and feature the very best athletes from across the Commonwealth.
Women participation in the Commonwealth Games
Women only participated in the swimming events of the 1930 Games – it was in the 1934 Games that they began to increase their presence, although barriers remained. Their running events were restricted to prevent the Games from being “too exhaustive” for them.
The Games have come a long way in terms of inclusivity and this year’s event is backed by the largest females and para-sport programme in its history.
‘Games for Everyone’
The vision of the 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee is ‘Making a world of difference at the Games for everyone’ with the aim of celebrating diversity and inclusion. They have made it essential for the Games to be accessible and inclusive for everyone, delivering them sustainably, inclusively, and creatively.
The Royal Mint are celebrating the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
The Royal Mint are celebrating the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with a stunning 50p coin. It features a bespoke reverse design, by Royal Mint designer Natasha Preece, which captures the spirit of the Commonwealth Games through the striking geometric patterns associated with Birmingham 2022, and cleverly incorporates the unmistakable geometric patterns of Birmingham Library.
Having been a university student of Birmingham City, I have of course visited Birmingham Library, travelling all the way to the top which houses The Shakespeare Memorial Room. The interlocking metal circles, which cover the outside of the building, refer to the city’s manufacturing and artisanal past and present. It is the pattern of the instantly recognisable Birmingham landmark that can be seen on the reverse of the 50p, along with the sharp abstract pattern of the Commonwealth Games.
The future of the Commonwealth Games
The next Commonwealth Games will be held in 2026 and will be hosted by Melbourne and Victoria State. It has been announced that perhaps this event and the ones that follow will be quite different from those that precede it, including Birmingham 2022.
Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, has stated “Modernise it, change it”, so it is likely big changes are coming.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever been to watch any event at the Commonwealth Games!
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games UK Silver Proof 50p Coin
For the Silver specification of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games UK 50p Coin, the design features full colour – a bold and bright statement. It has been struck to a Proof quality, which is the preferred finish by collectors, creating a mirror-like finish which is hand-polished.
You can order the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games UK Silver Proof 50p Coin here >>
The Official 2022 United Kingdom 50p Capsule Edition
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games UK 50p Coin is also available in our Collector’s Capsule Edition which comes complete with a FREE DISPLAY STAND. Your 50p has been struck to a Brilliant Uncirculated quality and will be protected for years to come.
You can order the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games UK 50p Capsule Edition here >>
The Royal Mint Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games UK 50p BU Pack
The Royal Mint Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games UK 50p BU Pack is an excellent choice for collectors as the packaging takes inspiration from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Order your Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games UK 50p BU Pack here >>
Shop the Birmingham Commonwealth Coin Range
You can shop our range of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games UK Coins here >>
