The British public is being invited to submit their design for the reverse of the 50 pence coin, to commemorate the London Olympics in 2012. Sailors will be pleased to hear that one of the designs chosen will depict their sport.

The Royal Mint is inviting any UK residents over the age of 13 years to submit their design. In total, 29 winning designs will be selected, each depicting a different Olympic or Paralympic sport – including sailing – and will feature on the back of millions of 50 pence pieces from March 2010.

‘We are proud to be involved in this monumental event and to be able to involve the public in the creation of these celebratory coins, which will be found in the nation’s change for many years to come,’ says Andrew Stafford, Chief Executive of the Royal Mint.

As well as having their artistic abilities recognised on national currency, winners will receive £1,000 cash and a gold coin featuring their own design. They will also be invited to see their design being transformed into actual UK coins at the Royal Mint.