Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 2 Pounds 2022, Sp# K66, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 150th Anniversary of the FA Cup
  • 2 Pounds 2022, Sp# K66, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 150th Anniversary of the FA Cup
  • 2 Pounds 2022, Sp# K66, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 150th Anniversary of the FA Cup, Box with a certificate of authenticity
Description

In 2022, The FA Cup marks the 150th anniversary of its inaugural Final, which took place between Wanderers FC and the Royal Engineers on 16 March 1872. The Football Association Challenge Cup, more commonly known as the FA Cup, is an annual knockout football competition in men's domestic English football. First played during the 1871–72 season, it is the oldest national football competition in the world. It is organised by and named after The Football Association (The FA).

In 1863, the newly founded Football Association (the FA) published the Laws of the Game of Association Football, unifying the various different rules in use before then. On 20 July 1871, in the offices of The Sportsman newspaper, the FA Secretary C. W. Alcock proposed to the FA committee that "it is desirable that a Challenge Cup should be established in connection with the Association for which all clubs belonging to the Association should be invited to compete". The inaugural FA Cup tournament kicked off in November 1871. After thirteen games in all, Wanderers were crowned the winners in the final, on 16 March 1872. Wanderers retained the trophy the following year. The modern cup was beginning to be established by the 1888–89 season, when qualifying rounds were introduced.

Alloy:
• center: 0.925 sterling silver
• ring: 0.925 sterling silver plated with fine gold

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 jewelry 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·D·G·REG·F·D·2 POUNDS·2022
J.C

Reverse

Depicts the FA Cup trophy design by Fattorini & Sons taking centre stage.

The first trophy, the 'little tin idol', was made by Martin, Hall & Co at a cost of £20. It was stolen from a Birmingham shoe shop window belonging to William Shillcock while held by Aston Villa on 11 September 1895 and was never seen again.

The redesigned trophy first used in 1911 was larger at 61.5 cm (24.2 inches) high, and was designed and manufactured by Fattorini's of Bradford, coincidentally being won by Bradford City in its first outing.

Design: Matt Dent and Christian Davies

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF THE FA CUP
1871·72 2021·22
THE
FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATION
CHALLENGE CUP
CD MD

Edge

FOOTBALL'S GREATEST CUP COMPETITION

Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Bi-Metallic
Ring Gold Plated Silver
Center Silver
Weight 12 g
Diameter 28.4 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

Related coins

5th portrait

150th Anniversary of the FA Cup

Bi-Metallic, 12 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm
5th portrait, Silver Proof Piedfort Coin

150th Anniversary of the FA Cup

Bi-Metallic, 24 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm
5th portrait, Gold Proof Coin

150th Anniversary of the FA Cup

Bi-Metallic, 15.98 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm