United Kingdom (Great Britain) Elizabeth II 50 Pence

History

50 Pence 2019, Sp# H62, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p, British Culture, 50 New Pence

Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint

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 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.

These carefully curated coins showcase some of the signature designs that have graced the 50p during the last half century. Designs celebrating the first sub-four-minute mile, the Scouting movement, the Girl Guides and Kew Gardens join Christopher Ironside’s original seated Britannia.

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 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	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion Military Shield Symbol, amulet, talisman Britannia A seated Britannia alongside a lion, accompanied by the value above Britannia, with the numeral 50 underneath the seated figure. Although the archetypical image of Britannia seated with a shield first appeared on Roman bronze coins of the 1st century AD struck under Hadrian, Britannia's first appearance on British coinage was on the farthing in 1672, though earlier pattern versions had appeared in 1665, followed by the halfpenny later the same year. Engraver: Christopher Ironside NEW PENCE 50
Edge	Plain