United Kingdom (Great Britain) Elizabeth II 50 Pence

History

50 Pence 2018, KM# 1556b, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 100th Anniversary of the Representation of the People Act

Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint

Description

The Royal Mint launched a new coin that celebrates 100 years since the passing of the Representation of the People Act 1918, hailed as a landmark event for democracy.

The Representation of the People Act 1918 was an Act of Parliament passed to reform the electoral system in Great Britain and Ireland. It is sometimes known as the Fourth Reform Act. This act was the first to include practically all men in the political system and began the inclusion of women, extending the franchise by 5.6 million men and 8.4 million women. It legislated a number of new practices in elections, including making residency in a specific constituency the basis of the right to vote, whilst institutionalising the first-past-the-post method of election and rejecting proportional representation.

Obverse	Crown, jewelry Diamond Diadem Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Elizabeth II 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•50 PENCE•2018• J.C
Reverse	Discovery, invention, technology Suffrage Military Soldier Depicts two women (first one with her hand up) and three men (one is a soldier) in line to vote, inscription above. The design features five figures, each one representing the different classes brought together to cast their first vote. The terms of the Act were: • All men over 21 gained the vote in the constituency where they were resident. Men who had turned 19 during service in connection with the First World War could also vote even if they were under 21. • Women over 30 years old received the vote if they were either a member or married to a member of the Local Government Register, a property owner, or a graduate voting in a University constituency. Engraver: Stephen Taylor 1918 REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT ST
Edge	Plain