New poppy-inspired commemorative £5 coin launched

The first commemorative £5 coin ever produced by the Royal Mint has been made especially to mark Remembrance Day.

Every colour printed coin sold will lead to a donation to the Royal British Legion.

Designed by Emma Noble, the Royal Mint's engraver, it is emblazoned with a red poppy and the words 'the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month'.

There are Silver Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated versions available from www.royalmint.com.

Yesterday was London Poppy Day, which was launched by Prince Charles.

Volunteers representing the Army, Navy, RAF and a host of companies, aimed to raise £1 million in a single day across the capital, more than twice what was raised on London Poppy Day 2011.

The countdown to £1 million took place in Covent Garden where an electronic totaliser updating with the amount raised.

During the Poppy Appeal, the Royal British Legion is aiming to raise £42 million - £2 million more than last year’s record £40 million - to carry out vital work, including providing immediate support and life-long care to armed forces families in need.

Other Poppy Day events began yesterday at Covent Garden piazza with the arrival of the London Poppy Day Routemaster, which toured the capital throughout the day.

More than 2,000 volunteers were at Tube and railway stations spurred on by numerous military bands playing at locations across the capital.

The Military Wives Choir lent their support to the day, performing on the steps of St Paul’s and in Covent Garden. A team of Royal Marines abseiled down Broadgate Tower

Forest wrote:I best not receive any of these at work. I'll probably mistake it for a 10 pence