Description

A piedfort is an unusually thick coin, often exactly twice the normal weight and thickness of other coins of the same diameter and pattern. Piedforts are not normally circulated, and are only struck for presentation purposes by mint officials (such as patterns), or for collectors, dignitaries, and other VIPs.

The Royal Mint has released (23rd March) crown coins on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the inauguration of one of the world’s most distinctive performance venues — the incomparable Royal Albert Hall. Located in the heart of Kensington, West London, the concert hall was inaugurated by Queen Victoria on the 29th March 1871 in memory of her beloved husband, Prince Consort Albert, who had unexpectedly died a decade earlier.

One of the United Kingdom's most treasured and distinctive buildings, it is held in trust for the nation and managed by a registered charity (which receives no government funding). It can seat 5,272. The world's leading artists from many performance genres have appeared on its stage. It is the venue for the Proms concerts, which have been held there every summer since 1941. It is host to more than 390 shows in the main auditorium annually, including classical, rock and pop concerts, ballet, opera, film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment, sports, awards ceremonies, school and community events, and charity performances and banquets. A further 400 events are held each year in the non-auditorium spaces.