New 50p coin featuring iconic Star Wars ­spaceship The Millennium Falcon goes on sale...

ICONIC Star Wars ­spaceship The Millennium Falcon appears on a new 50p coin which goes on sale today.

It follows the success of a Royal Mint collection featuring much-loved characters from the sci-fi film franchise.

4

4

The latest series celebrates its famous spacecraft, with coins depicting the TIE Fighter, X-Wing and Death Star II launching later this year.

The Falcon coin also features the Rebel Alliance Starbird symbol.

Prices range from £11 for a Falcon 50p to £2,770 for a gold proof coin.

Fans can also buy ­bullion bars inspired by Star Wars, available in gold and silver.

The Mint’s Rebecca Morgan said: "We are delighted to celebrate the Star Wars franchise’s numismatic return with a series of coins dedicated to its iconic vehicles.

“We are excited to enthuse new and existing coin collectors across the world and capture the imaginations of Star Wars’ thriving fan base.”

Andrew Dickey, director of precious metals at the Royal Mint, said: “The Royal Mint’s launch of the Star Wars bullion bars is particularly exciting as iconic characters of the Skywalker Saga have inspired designs that feature on bullion bars for the very first time.”

The Millennium Falcon coin will be available to purchase from the Royal Mint’s website at 9am on Monday March 18.

Customers will also be able to secure all four coins on Monday and they will be sent out as and when the coins in the range are released.

The Mint said that the bullion bars will launch in time for Star Wars Day on May 4 and prices will depend on live, precious metal prices.

4

4