The Olympic coin features a sweep of the London skyline with athletes running around its edge, and the Paralympic coin is split into four features, including a wheel for manoeuvrability, a target representing accuracy, a stopwatch for speed and the face of Big Ben symbolising London and time itself.

Both also feature the London 2012 logo in United Flag colours, and are produced by the Royal Mint.

The Olympic coin was designed by 24-year old-architecture student Saiman Miah, who said: "I wanted a classical design that represented old traditional British values.

"London 2012 is very contemporary so I have merged the old and new together with the classic London landmarks such as Big Ben and St Paul's with the pictograms of the Olympic sports on the outer edge.

"I am very proud to be involved in both Olympic and British legacy.

"As a designer to have a piece of your artwork possibly in the hands of thousands of people around the world is amazing and a great honour.

"When tourists come to London for the Games, I wanted them to also be able to take a part of the hosting city away."

Media design graduate Pippa Sanderson (pictured with Miah) created the Paralympic coin, and she said: "The Paralympic coin will be one that collectors and the public will treasure for years to come.

"My design idea came from the concept of rings and what they mean, from the track at the Olympic stadium to the Olympic rings."

Coins go on sale later this month, and they continue a tradition dating back to the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games.

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