New 50p coins ordered for latest Brexit date after previous batch destroyed in departure delay

The future of the Brexit 50p piece has been discussed at length on social media. (Picture: PA)

The Government has ordered a new commemorative Brexit 50p coin after the departure delay forced the Royal Mint to destroy the previous batch.

Chancellor Sajid Javid originally ordered production of the celebratory coins in advance of the original departure date of October 31.

But production was paused after MPs thwarted the Prime Minister's chances of fast-tracking his deal through Parliament and the EU agreed to delay the exit.

The delay meant about a million coins had to be melted down and the metal put aside until a new departure date was confirmed.

After a meeting of the Privy Council this week, the Queen issued a proclamation that new "gold, silver and cupro-nickel coins" will be minted with the updated planned departure date of January 31.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid had to order the Royal Mint to stop production (AFP via Getty Images)

They will also feature the slogan "Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations".

The Brexit coin will join other EU-related coinage in the public purse, including one which was made when the UK joined the European Economic Community in 1973 and another that was cast when the nation hosted the EU Council in 1998.

The Royal Mint regularly issues special coins to mark national moments. A total of 22 50p coins have been released since 2010.