1997 Silver Proof Fifty Pence Two Coin Set

A new-size fifty pence coin will be introduced in 1997 and to mark the change the Royal Mint brought together the last of the "old" and the first on the "new" fifty pence coins in a superb Two-Coin Silver Proof Set.

Smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the new coin retains the shape of an equilateral curve heptagon which, at its introduction in 1969, made the fifty pence the world's first seven-sided coin.  It continues to boast on its reverse the historic figure of Britannia, an elegant seated figure prepared by Christopher Ironside at the time of decimalisation.

The obverse of both coins features the elegant portrait of Her Majesty the Queen by Raphael Maklouf.

Both coins are encapsulated side by side and housed in the original Royal Mint box with the Certificate of Authenticity.

The larger-sized fifty pence weighs 13.50 grammes and measures 30.00mm in diameter, while the smaller coin weighs 8.00 grammes and measures 27.30mm.  Both coins are legal tender and have been struck in sterling .925 silver to the finest Proof quality.

Only 25,000 of these sets have been authorised for worldwide distribution, with each coin having been taken from within its specified maximum mintage limits.