In 2012 to celebrate the Countdown to the London Olympic Games, the Royal Mint released a very special Limited Issue Countdown £5 Five Pound Gold Proof 4 Coin Set all struck in solid 22 Carat Gold.

The 2012 Countdown £5 Five Pound Gold Proof Coin designed by Claire Aldridge depicts the passage of time until Games Times with the ticking clock hand and also features a border inspired by the framework of the Olympic Stadium.
However, in this case the coin design portrays the culmination of the athlete's dedication to compete in London 2012 with three figures standing on the winner's podium to emphasis the ultimate reward of sporting success.

The reverse of the 2011 Countdown £5 Gold Coin designed by Claire Aldridge depicts Swimming featuring a dynamic image of competing swimmers.
Also featured is the countdown number, '1', representing one year to the great event, and the London 2012 Olympic logo in full colour.
The obverse design is the stunning portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank Broadley.
The reverse of the 2010 Countdown £5 Gold Coin also designed by Claire Aldridge BA depicts Athletics featuring a dynamic image of competing runners racing for the finishing line and the coveted gold medal.

Also featured is the second countdown number, '2', representing two years to the great event, and the London 2012 Olympic logo in full colour.
The 2009 Countdown £5 Gold Coin the first in series designed by Claire Aldridge BA depicts the much loved sport of swimming.
Also featured is the countdown number, '3', representing three years to the great event, and the London 2012 Olympic logo in full colour.
The obverse design of all the coins are of the stunning portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank Broadley.
These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.

• Limited Mintage Worldwide
• Struck to Royal Mint's Proof Quality in Solid 22 Carat Gold
• Celebrating the Countdown to the London Olympic Games
• Reverse Designed by Claire Aldridge
• Royal Mint Boxed with Certificate of Authenticity all with same cert numbers