Elizabeth II Britannia; Silver Proof

Description

This is the 2019 BU issue with a mintage of 1,933. This reverse design by Christopher Ironside, together with the Arnold Machin second portrait of Her Majesty on the obverse, was first issued in 1969 in copper-nickel to replace the 10-shilling banknote as part of the decimalisation process. However, it was not until 1996 that a silver proof version of the Britannia (updated 'Fifty' Pence legend) was first issued when celebrating 25 years of decimalisation. It was subsequently issued in silver proof with the updated 'Fifty' Pence legend in 1997 twice (large & small size), 2000, 2006, 2008 and 2009 (with both 'New' & 'Fifty' Pence strikes to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 50 pence denomination). This 2019 issue features Jody Clark's fifth portrait and forms part of the 5-coin British Culture Set celebrating 50 years of the 50p. This design was also struck in copper-nickel, silver piedfort, gold proof and gold piedfort and features no privy mark. Issue Limit: 1,969 ©The Royal Mint, 2019