Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 40th Anniversary of the Star Wars, Death Star II
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 40th Anniversary of the Star Wars, Death Star II
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 40th Anniversary of the Star Wars, Death Star II, Acrylic block
Description

The Star Wars™ franchise has made its way onto UK coins with bespoke ranges inspired by some of the most legendary characters and iconic vehicles in the galaxy.

Created by George Lucas, Star Wars started with the 1977 film and quickly became a global pop culture phenomenon. It has expanded into various media forms, including films, TV series, video games, novels, and theme park attractions, building a vast fictional universe. Star Wars is one of the highest-grossing media franchises ever.

In relation to the Star Wars project, production was moved to England's Elstree Studios to save costs. Many scenes were shot in England, featuring British actors, including those who played C-3PO and R2-D2. The actual Star Wars robots were constructed by the English company Peteric Engineering. The United Kingdom played a crucial role in creating the film's special effects, earning recognition for their originality and creativity.

All nine films of the "Skywalker Saga" received Academy Award nominations, with the first two winning awards. When combined with the anthology films Rogue One and Solo, the franchise's total box office revenue surpassed $10 billion, making it the second highest-grossing film franchise of all time.

Obverse

Depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by the Latin inscription. Engraver's initials on the neck.

CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FIDEI DEFENSOR means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Martin Jennings (MJ)

• CHARLES III•D•G•REX•F•D•50 PENCE•2024
MJ

Reverse

Depicts a special colour-print of the Death Star ll, with a lenticular feature depicting the insignia of the Galactic Empire and the distinct outline of the Death Star II above and the iconic STAR WARS logo below.

The Death Star II was the second battlestation built by the Galactic Empire, mirroring its predecessor in size with a diameter of 160 kilometers. Constructed after the original Death Star's destruction at the Battle of Yavin, its reconstruction was insisted upon by Darth Sidious. He saw it as crucial to his plan to annihilate the Rebel Alliance and secure the Empire's dominance over the galaxy.

During the Battle of Endor, the Death Star II's superlaser was unexpectedly revealed to be operational before the station was fully completed, catching the Alliance attackers off guard. This strategic move by Darth Sidious almost resulted in a Rebel defeat. However, Alliance ground forces on Endor succeeded in deactivating the energy shield protecting the battlestation, allowing the Rebel fleet to destroy it from within. This pivotal victory marked the beginning of the Empire's downfall.

Design: Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR
WARS™
© & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 8 g
Diameter 27.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape polygon
Sides 7
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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