Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2019, Sp# H71, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p, Military, 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings
  • 50 Pence 2019, Sp# H71, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p, Military, 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings
  • 50 Pence 2019, Sp# H71, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p, Military, 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, Proof set
  • 50 Pence 2019, Sp# H71, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p, Military, 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, Proof set
Description

The British decimal fifty pence (50p) coin – often pronounced fifty pee – is a unit of currency equaling one half of a pound sterling. Over the years, the coin has celebrated every aspect of British culture, including the stories behind the people and institutions that put the great into Great Britain. As the nation’s most collectable coin reaches a milestone moment, 50 years in circulation, The Royal Mint presented a special commemorative set to mark this momentous occasion.

From the Battle of Hastings to D-Day, epic battles have altered history’s path. Over the last 50 years, the 50p has been chosen to commemorate some of the most pivotal moments in military history, defining moments that every child still learns about in school.

This set brings together all five military-themed designs that have graced the coin: the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, the 50th anniversary of D-Day, the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and two coins commemorating the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Victoria Cross medal.

Obverse

The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Jody Clark

·ELIZABETH II·DEI·GRA·REG·FID·DEF·2019
J.C

Reverse

Image of King Harold with an arrow in his eye (the famous fate he is believed to have suffered), a detail from the Bayeux Tapestry, and three in his shield splitting the lettering of 1066.

Harold Godwinson or Harold II (c. 1022 – 14 October 1066) was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. Harold reigned from 6 January 1066 until his death at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October, fighting the Norman invaders led by William the Conqueror during the Norman conquest of England. His death marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule over England.

The Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066 between the Norman-French army of William, the Duke of Normandy, and an English army under the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson, beginning the Norman conquest of England. It took place approximately 7 miles (11 kilometres) northwest of Hastings, close to the present-day town of Battle, East Sussex, and was a decisive Norman victory. The background to the battle was the death of the childless King Edward the Confessor in January 1066, which set up a succession struggle between several claimants to his throne.

The exact numbers present at the battle are unknown; modern estimates are around 10,000 for William and about 7,000 for Harold. The composition of the forces is clearer; the English army was composed almost entirely of infantry and had few archers, whereas only about half of the invading force was infantry, the rest split equally between cavalry and archers. Harold appears to have tried to surprise William, but scouts found his army and reported its arrival to William, who marched from Hastings to the battlefield to confront Harold. The battle lasted from about 9 am to dusk. Early efforts of the invaders to break the English battle lines had little effect; therefore, the Normans adopted the tactic of pretending to flee in panic and then turning on their pursuers. Harold's death, probably near the end of the battle, led to the retreat and defeat of most of his army. After further marching and some skirmishes, William was crowned as king on Christmas Day 1066.

Engraver: John Bergdahl

BATTLE OF HASTINGS
10 66
JB
2016

Edge

50 Pence

5th portrait, Silver Proof Coin

Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p
Military, 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings

Subscribe series
Sp# H71
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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