Chancellor Philip Hammond announced the creation of a new 50p coin to mark Brexit last year (Image: GETTY)
The 50p coins, which will be engraved with the date of Brexit and the motto ‘Friendship with all nations’, will be released “following our departure”, the Treasury has said. Yesterday the chancellor Philip Hammond brushed off embarrassment when asked about a batch of the commemorative coins which were produced with the date March 29 - despite MPs voting to delay Brexit - saying they would become “collectors’ pieces”. The campaign for the seven-sided coin was led by Tory MP Craig Mackinlay.
Speaking after news of the delay in the release of the coins came to light, the ardent Brexiteer said he had received “promises” that the celebratory coin would be struck to mark Brexit and the Royal Mint should already have produced batches of the coin ahead of March 29.
He said: “Others may be prepared to go back on their promises to deliver Brexit as the public demanded but I am not, and look forward to seeing and using this significant coin, the campaign for which I have played a significant role.”
Mr Hammond told BBC 1’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday the botched coins, engraved with the original
