by business editor Trevor Sturgess

The Royal Wedding has sparked a rush for gold.

With the value of the precious metal soaring across world markets, a £1,750 gold coin showing images of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - Prince William and Kate Middleton - has become the fastest-ever selling item at The Scoin Shop in Bluewater.

The outlet - part of the world's only gold coin shopping chain - has sold more than 300 since the April 29 wedding.

The £5 gold proof coin, designed by British sculptor Mark Richards, is struck in 22 carat gold.

The design was officially approved by the prince and his grandmother the Queen.

Coin dealer Alan Demby, founder of The Scoin Shop, said: "The royal wedding has proved to be one of this country's most significant and memorable events in years which has dictated the popularity and value of the coins."

The price of gold has trebled in the past decade, with a surge in recent weeks fuelled by uncertainty in global markets and low rates of return on most other investments.

Mr Demby suggests that 15 per cent of every investment portfolio should now include collectable and bullion gold coins.