The years 1993 and 1994 have seen impressive designs on the reverse of the Piedfort 50p Fifty Pence Silver Proof Coins to commemorate significant events in European history.
Although almost fifty years separate the two historic occasions, a single theme bonds together a free, yet united Europe and the Royal Mint has accordingly combined these two special commemorative Piedfort 50p Fifty Pence Silver Proof Coins to form a splendid Piedfort Silver Proof 2 Coin Set.
The 1992-1993 Piedfort 50p Fifty Pence Silver Proof Coin struck in solid .925 Sterling Silver which has been designed by Mary Milner Dickens symbolises the close association between the twelve states. Twelve chairs surround a conference table seen from above with the United Kingdom, by virtue of its Presidency, prominently featured at its head. Twelve stars placed in the geographic positions of the capital cities are joined by a network of lines signifying the trade and commercial links enjoyed throughout the Community.
The 1994 Piedfort 50p Fifty Pence Silver Proof Coin struck in solid .925 Sterling Silver has been designed by distinguished sculptor John Mills and was inspired by his boyhood recollections of that historic day when, looking up at the sky and seeing the distinctively marked Allied planes, he realised the invasion of France was underway. The obverse of both coins in the collection is the stunning portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf.
These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.
Piedforts are coins which have been specially struck on thicker than normal blanks. As their name suggests they are closely associated with France, where from the twelfth century they were apparently issued by the Kings as presentation pieces. In Britain the practise of striking piedforts is later and less frequent, but medieval and Tudor examples are known.
Limited Mintage of 1,500 Worldwide
Piedfort Double the Thickness and Weight of its Standard Counterpart
Struck to Royal Mint's Proof Quality in Solid .925 Sterling Silver
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings and European Presidency
