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Kate Middleton, Prince William’s Baby: Royal Mint to Celebrate Birth By Giving Away 2,013 Lucky Silver Pennies

Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton and Prince William's baby will receive a free "lucky" silver penny from the Royal Mint upon his or her birth, as will all babies born in the U.K. on that day.

Kate Middleton and Prince William's impending bundle of joy is one lucky baby-to-be — and he or she is bringing luck to a lot of other babies, too. To celebrate the birth of the future heir to the British throne, the Royal Mint is giving away lucky silver pennies to any babies born on the same day as the Duke and Duchess' tot, a spokesman from the Mint tells Us Weekly

Related: PHOTOS: Kate Middleton's maternity style

Crossing the palms of newborn babies with silver is a traditional way of wishing them luck, health, and wealth. Silver coins are usually sold by the Royal Mint as gifts, but a total of 2,013 will be made available to new parents at no cost. (A source tells Us that the royal baby will receive one, as well.)

Related: PHOTOS: Royal pregnancies

The sterling silver penny will bear the shield of the Royal Arms, along with the year 2013. Depending on the sex of the child, it will be presented in a pink or blue pouch.

"The birth of the royal baby will be a joyous occasion not just for Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but also for the whole nation, as we prepare to celebrate another remarkable milestone in their life journey together," Shane Bissett, director of the commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, tells Us in a statement.

Related: PHOTOS: Kate's childhood album

Middleton, 31, is just seven days away from her July 11 due date. "Naturally, she is a little nervous about the big day — what new mum wouldn't be?" a source told Us recently of the pregnant Duchess. That said, she's "feeling great" and is "full of energy," the insider added.

"She's still busy, making sure she's done as much as possible for the new house before the baby is born. Once the baby is here, she won't have time for anything else!" the source explained. "Everything is great. She's healthy, the baby is healthy."

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