The British Chancellor of the Exchequer announced on Thursday the launch of a series of collector coins in honor of Mahatma Gandhi. The currency was created on the occasion of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
These coins are a tribute “to an influential leader who inspired millions of people around the world,” commented Rishi Sunak, the first Hindu to hold the office of Chancellor. Gandhi was “decisive in the movement for the independence of India”, he commented in reference to the emancipation of the country vis-Ã -vis the United Kingdom in 1947.
UK’s Chancellor Rishi Sunak reveals new £ 5 collectors coin to celebrate the life of Mahatma Gandhi.Coin features image of India’s national flower & is part of the Royal Mint’s Diwali collection, including the UK’s first gold bar depicting an image of goddess Lakshmi
@UKinIndia pic.twitter.com/Nk2rdRlReq– Kadambini Sharma (@SharmaKadambini) November 4, 2021
“My life is my message”
The launch of this commemorative coin also coincides with the 75 years of India’s independence. “This is the first time Gandhi has been commemorated on an official UK coin,” the Treasury said in a statement. The government specified in the document its desire to “build on the lasting relationship and cultural connections” between London and New Delhi.
Royal Mint unveils new coin commemorating Mahatma Gandhi https://t.co/Sa9pbg9UaI via @josephjett pic.twitter.com/fUNmToj0TZ
– Bianca Savonrola (@BiancaSavonrola) November 4, 2021
The coins, with a face value of two to 100 pounds, are notably available in silver and gold. The latter is sold for 2,440 pounds. These coins represent a lotus, the national flower of India, accompanied by a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “My life is my message. “