A specially-minted 50 pence piece commemorating some of the Isle of Man TT’s most legendary riders has been unveiled.
The legal tender coin features the names of seven of the biggest stars in the event’s history, celebrating their outstanding achievements around the Snaefell Mountain Course.
The sport’s first ‘superstar’ Geoff Duke, Bob McIntyre, who was the first to lap the course at more than 100mph, and great rivals Giacomo Agostini and Mike Hailwood are among the names featured.
From the modern era are David Jefferies, 26-time TT winner Joey Dunlop and current ‘King of the Mountain’ John McGuinness.
The coin is available either in a wallet priced at £2.95, or in a special collector’s gift pack featuring photos of each of the legends at the TT over the years, costing £5.
The Isle of Man Post Office has also produced a collectable featuring the coin and a selection of TT stamps. The TT Heroes set includes the new 50p, stamps featuring TT legends and stunning photos of modern-day heroes Michael Dunlop, Bruce Anstey, Ian Hutchinson, Guy Martin and Dave Molyneux.
Just 300 will be produced. Of these, 200 are available for £27.50 each, while for the true collector 100 will be available mounted and accompanied by the autographs of four of the riders featured – McGuinness, Molyneux, Hutchinson and Anstey – priced at £175.
Maxine Cannon, eneral manager at Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, said: ‘At the heart of the event are the racers who test themselves against the Mountain Course, which is acknowledged to be the ultimate challenge in motorcycle racing.
‘We believe it is fitting to pay tribute to those men whose courage, determination and skill has made them legends, and favourites to thousands of fans all over the world. The stunning 50p is a fitting celebration, and the special gift pack is an essential collectable for all TT fans.’
She added: ‘We hope fans agree we have produced fitting tributes to the legends and heroes of this incredible road racing event.’
The TT Legends 50p and TT Heroes limited edition set can both be ordered now from.iomstamps.com, the TT Postshops at the Grandstand and in Regent Street, Douglas, at any Post Office or by emailing stamps@iompost.com