London 2012 Fifty Pence Coin

In 2005 it was announced that London would be the host of the 2012 Olympic Games. It would be the third time the city had hosted the games and we British greeted the news with our usual level of cheer. Questions of cost and security were high on the agenda of the tabloid press.

As July 27 2012 approached though a strange mood overtook people, they seemed to be happy! As the Olympic torch reply crossed the British Isles people came out, whatever the weather, and cheered. It looked like the nation was having fun.

A possible cloud appeared on the horizon of East London as it looked like the security firm G4S would fail to supply enough security staff. The shortfall was made up by UK military service-people, and the public loved the idea. A chance to see their brave boys and girls and thank them for their hard work and service.

As the Olympic countdown clock in Trafalgar Square turned to zero the world tuned in to watch Danny Boyle's Opening ceremony, and what a show. The British loved it and wondered if the rest of the world got it! Though seeing the Queen and James Bond jump from a helicopter must have got worldwide applause surely?

The Games had begun and more confusion followed for the already giddy British people - medals! Not just medals - Golds! By the end Team GB sat third in the medal table. Mo Farah, Bradley Wiggins, Andy Murray, Jade Jones, Victoria Pendleton, Luke Campbell, Jessica Ennis and Nicola Adams to name a few. Gold post boxes were appearing up and down the land.

With hardly a breath to be taken after the Closing ceremony of the Happy & Glorious Games the Paralympics were upon us!

It was decided that the Royal Mint would release 29 public-designed 50 pence coins to mark some of the sports within the Olympic competition. I have managed to collect all 29, and here's what they look like: