1997 New Smaller Definitive Britannia Fifty Pence Piedfort Silver Proof Coin
In 1971, UK currency went through a major change, the traditional currency of shillings and farthings and crowns was 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 millimetres and weight of 13.50 grams, the new size had a diameter of 27.30 millimetres 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 piedfort silver proof coin which comes in its original packaging. As a piedfort coin, this Fifty Pence is of double thickness and double weight, weighing 16.00 grams rather than the new standard 8.00. The coin carries 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. Just 7,192 Fifty Pence coins were issued in silver proof, and yours will come in its original packaging from The Royal Mint with certificate of authenticity. It is 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]