1998 European Economic Community And National Health Service Fifty Pence Silver Proof 2 Coin Set
In 1998, a new effigy of Elizabeth II was introduced for circulating UK coinage. The portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley was used until 2015 when the current Jody Clark portrait was launched. As well as the traditional Britannia reverse, which was paired with Rank-Broadley’s design between 1998 and 2008, numerous special commemorative designs were also used. The first two of these commemorative designs celebrated two important landmarks in British political, and societal, history: the 25th anniversary of the UK’s membership of the European Union, and the 50th anniversary of the National Health Service. These two are available in this two coin collectable set from The Royal Mint, including this silver proof example. The NHS design, by David Cornell, features a pair of cupped hands, with light radiating from them in an inner circle. The circle also contains the inscription ‘FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.’ Around the outer circle, the initials NHS are inscribed five times, for the first fifty decades of the institution, as well as the denomination. The EU design features the twelve stars of the European flag radiating from the bottom of the coin, with the dates 1973 and 1998, and the denomination below. This was designed by John Mills. A total of 8,859 of the EU coins were individually issued, and 9,032 of the NHS 50ps. Far less were issued in this two coin set. They are each struck in .925 sterling silver and finished to proof quality. They come in their original presentation from The Royal Mint and each weigh 8.00 grams. System.Threading.Tasks.Task`1[System.String] System.Threading.Tasks.Task`1[System.String]