THE U.K. Royal Mint yesterday unveiled a coin to celebrate the Chinese year of the sheep in 2015.

    The coin — available in gold and silver — features Chinese symbols and the Yorkshire Swalendale sheep and is designed by artist Wuon-Gean Ho.

    The collectable, which marks the 2015 year of the sheep, is the second in the collection, and prices start at 82.50 pounds (US$138).

    Shane Bissett, director of commemorative coins at The Royal Mint, said: “Following on from the hugely popular Year of the Horse coins range, of which three quarters were sold out in the first few months, The Royal Mint is happy to be bringing its craftsmanship and artistic skills to this latest coin in the collection.”

    “Supporting the centuries-old tradition of giving zodiac coins at the Lunar New Year, we’re expecting to see similar demand this year for Wuon-Gean’s stunning design.”

    Last month, the mint announced that a silver 20-pound coin has been produced to mark 100 years since the outbreak of World War I.

    Designed by sculptor John Bergdahl, it depicts the figure of Britannia watching over the first troops leaving for France in 1914.

    (SD-Agencies)