1997 Old Large And New Smaller Definitive Britannia Fifty Pence Silver Proof 2 Coin Set
The 15th of February 1971 was known as Decimalisation Day. UK coinage moved to a system of tens, with the traditional currency of shillings and farthings and crowns replaced by just pounds and pence. Since then, several coins have undergone transformations in size, weight, and material. The halfpenny was retired after 1984, the Five Pence and Ten Pence both took new, smaller designs, and the One Pound coin has become bimetallic. In 1997, it was the Fifty Pence that got a new design. From the previous diameter of 30.00 milimetres and weight of 13.50 grams, the new size had a diameter of 27.30 milimetres and weighed 8.00 grams. It maintained the same shape, and retained its title as the world’s first seven sided coin. To mark the release of the new version into circulation, The Royal Mint also released proof versions of the new coin in a collectors edition, including this fantastic set of two coins, so you can compare the old and new versions. Both coins in the set carry the same design as the original decimal 50ps, featuring Christopher Ironside’s Britannia reverse of the warrior holding an olive branch and trident, with a shield and lion beside her. The denomination is written around the edge. On the obverse, is Raphael Maklouf’s portrait of The Queen. The official effigy used on circulating coinage would change the following year to that by Ian Rank-Broadley. 10,304 of these two coin sets were issued in silver proof, and yours will come in its original packaging from The Royal Mint with certificate of authenticity. Both coins are comprised of .925 sterling silver and struck to proof quality, giving a greater finish and definition. System.Threading.Tasks.Task`1[System.String] System.Threading.Tasks.Task`1[System.String]