Silver Proof Set Celebrates 40th Year of UK 50p

2009 marks 40 years since the introduction of the UK’s most distinctive circulation coin – the 50p piece.

To mark this defining moment in British currency, The Royal Mint is proud to make available for the very first time a 16-coin silver Proof set celebrating the many commemorative designs to have graced the coin.

The 50p coin replaced the ten-shilling note in 1969, joining the 5p (shilling) and 10p (florin) coins in circulation to leave only the three copper coins to be introduced in February 1971 to complete the new series of decimal coins. While the original reverse featured Christopher Ironside’s traditional Britannia design, the new coin’s equilateral curve heptagon was unequivocally revolutionary as the world’s first seven-sided coin.

Over the last 40 years the 50p coin has celebrated a number of important occasions in British and European history. The new Royal Mint UK 50p Silver Proof Collection showcases the 16 distinctive designs to have appeared on its reverse to date, including the coin’s first ever commemorative design marking the UK’s accesion to the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973.

Dave Knight, Director of Commemorative Coin, comments: "Since its introduction in 1969, the 50p has become synonymous with marking significant events in the UK, as well as European history and culture. We are delighted to bring together the whole range of celebratory designs for the very first time in this prestigious silver Proof set."

The introduction of the 50p coin in 1969 magnificently fused traditional design with revolutionary shape, successfully creating a bridge between the UK’s old coinage and new decimal system. The coin’s shape made it easily distinguishable from round coins, both by feel and by sight, while its constant breadth allowed it to roll in vending machines.

The UK 50p Silver Proof Collection comprises 16 unique 50p coins struck by The Royal Mint in sterling silver to Proof quality. The coins are all dated 2009 and bear the current numismatic portrait of Her Majesty The Queen created by Ian Rank-Broadly FRBS.

The collection is available to purchase in silver Proof at £425.00, as well as in base Proof at £195.00 and gold Proof at £7,950.00.

For further details or to purchase your UK 50p Silver Proof Collection, visit the Royal Mint website at www.royalmint.com, write to: The Royal Mint, FREEPOST, NAT23496, PO Box 500,Llantrisant, Pontyclun, CF72 8YT, or call the Royal Mint Customer Services Team on:

• 0845 60 88 222 (Customers in the UK and Ireland)
• International FREEPHONE 01-866-519-7298 (USA)
• International FREEPHONE 1-866-924-0861 (Canada)

The UK 50p Silver Proof Set Collection specifications are as follows:

About The Royal Mint

The Royal Mint is a department of government and its primary responsibility remains the provision of the United Kingdom coinage. Its reputation, however, extends beyond this and internationally it has a reputation for making some fascinating coins for over 100 countries.

The history of the Royal Mint itself stretches back over 1100 years. There is an unbroken link from the scattered workshops of the moneyers of Anglo-Saxon London to a single mint within the Tower of London, from a purpose-built premises at Tower Hill to the huge modern coining plant in South Wales.

In April 1975 the Mint was established as a Government Trading Fund, operationally very similar to a government-owned company.