Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2019, Sp# H64, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p, British Culture, Scouting
  • 50 Pence 2019, Sp# H64, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p, British Culture, Scouting
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

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

Depicts a fleur-de-lis superimposed over a globe, emphasising the growth of the Scout Movement, and surrounded by the inscription "BE PREPARED", the dates "1907" and "2007", and the denomination "FIFTY PENCE".

In 1906 and 1907 Robert Baden-Powell, a lieutenant general in the British Army, wrote a book for boys about reconnaissance and scouting. Baden-Powell wrote Scouting for Boys (London, 1908), based on his earlier books about military scouting, with influence and support of Frederick Russell Burnham (Chief of Scouts in British Africa), Ernest Thompson Seton of the Woodcraft Indians, William Alexander Smith of the Boys' Brigade, and his publisher Pearson. In the summer of 1907 Baden-Powell held a camp on Brownsea Island in England to test ideas for his book. This camp and the publication of Scouting for Boys are generally regarded as the start of the Scout movement.

Scouting or the Scout Movement is a movement that aims to support young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society, with a strong focus on the outdoors and survival skills. It is one of several worldwide youth organizations. The Scout Motto, 'Be Prepared', has been used in various languages by millions of Scouts since 1907.

Engraver: Kerry Jones

★ FIFTY PENCE ★
K
1907 ★ BE PREPARED ★ 2007

Edge

50 Pence

5th portrait, Gold Proof Piedfort Coin
Sp# H64
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.91667
Weight 31 g
Diameter 27.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape polygon
Sides 7
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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