A lucky silver penny for my 2013 baby!

To celebrate the arrival of Prince George, the Royal Mint have released a lucky silver penny for babies born that share the year of his birth.

It’s a long standing tradition in this country that it is thought to be good luck if you cross the palm of a child with silver. This lucky silver penny is the Royal Mint’s way of maintaining this custom, with the hope that each child who receives one will have a “symbol of good luck and prosperity” that they will treasure for years to come.

James and I both have amassed a collection of coins that are significant to us throughout the years; the usual mish mash of currency from trips abroad, as well as a number of commemorative £5 coins. My father has kindly given Lydia a 2013 coronation £5 coin to remember the 60th anniversary her birth year celebrates!

On my wedding day, I had a silver sixpence in my shoe. It was dated 1881, exactly 100 years older than my big sister. My parents tracked it down and bought it for her wedding day, and I borrowed it for mine – killing three traditional birds with one stone. A lucky silver sixpence, something borrowed, and something old!

As Lydia was born this year, the Royal Mint kindly sent us one of their lucky silver pennies to celebrate her sharing the birth year of our new Prince. It is really something special, and I will keep it safe for her, and let her know how important it is when she is old enough to understand.

The 2013 silver penny is presented in a lovely pouch, held within a card. The card has space for a message and the technical information about the penny. The gift set comes in either blue or pink, costs £28, and is a lovely memento for any 2013 baby.

2,013 babies born on 22nd July 2013, the same day as our new Prince, will receive a free silver penny to celebrate the shared birthday! If you had your baby on Monday head over to The Royal Mint’s facebook page to apply for your free coin – you have until September 20 2013, but it is limited in quantity, so don’t delay! The coin comes in a slightly different presentation than the coins you can buy on their website, so it will be something to truly cherish.