The Isle of Man Government is pleased to announce the launch of its 2017 Christmas coin.

The ?5 coin depicts a Peace Dove with outstretched wings surrounded by a Christmas holly wreath. The inscription on the wreath is ‘Nollick Ghennal’, Manx for Merry Christmas.

Encircling the outer edge of the design is the Manx inscription ‘Shee dy row er y thalloo’, which translates as Peace on Earth.

The coin is made from alpaca, an alloy of brass, and will be available at face value at banks and Post Offices throughout the Island from next week. The coin will also be available in a Manx winter themed pack, with images of Island scenes by a local photographer.

The packs will be on sale at the Welcome Centre, Tynwald Library, Manx Museum and the House of Manannan, as well as the Isle of Man Post Office and other retailers throughout the Island. In addition, the Isle of Man Post Office will be offering a limited edition proof-like version.

Bill Henderson MLC, Treasury Member, said: ‘This is different to the usual 50p coin, as we wanted something special for this Christmas and for the Peace theme. We are also delighted to have images by local photographer and Tynwald Seneschal Paul Dougherty used for the presentation packs. With the Manx Gaelic phrases on the reverse of the coin, the winter scenes on the presentation pack and the quality of coin from Tower Mint, I think we have achieved a significant Manx commemorative coin befitting Christmas 2017.’