The Royal Mint has unveiled a new �2 coin as part of the run up to the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

The coin was presented to athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson at a ceremony in south Wales on Tuesday.

The reverse design shows a figure holding aloft a banner and comes in four editions to represent the home nations.

The coin will be available in presentation packs from the Royal Mint.

The limited edition coin

Ms Grey-Thompson said: "It's great that the Royal Mint have produced these fantastic commemorative coins to allow the country to really get behind the Commonwealth Games this summer."

The coin has the traditional bi-metal gold and silver pattern, but the reverse has been specially commissioned to mark the 17th Commonwealth Games.

The design shows a triumphant figure holding aloft a streaming banner symbolizing the lanes of a track or swimming pool.

Summing up the theme of the games is the edge inscription - Spirit of Friendship Manchester 2002.

The design, chosen by the Royal Mint Advisory Committee, is the work of the Royal Mint engraver and sculptor Matthew Bonaccorsi, who beat a number of other artists in a competition to design the coin.

Collector's set

The presentation, the first to an international athlete, took place at the Royal Mint at Llantrisant.

The coin will be produced in four different issues, the first two being gold and silver editions available only from the Royal Mint.

A collector's set will be sold through post offices and a limited number will be in general circulation shortly before the games begin.