In 1995, to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the End of the Second World War, the Royal Mint released a Limited Issue Piedfort £2 Two Pound Silver Proof Coin struck in solid .925 Sterling Silver.
The Two Pound Coin or Double Sovereign was authorised by the Mint Indenture of 1817 and was intended to replace the old Two Guinea piece. Like the sovereigns issued at the same time, the firs Two Pound Coin featured Benedetto Pistrucci's classic portrayal of St George Slaying The Dragon, a design which has subsequently appeared on most Two Pound Coins.
The 1995 coin, however, bears a new design commemorating the end of the Second World War, for it is exactly fifty years since the world witnessed 'the greatest outburst of joy in the history of mankind'. It was with these words that Winston Churchill captured the world‘s reaction to the happy news that after almost six years, the War in Europe was finally over and all hostilities were to cease after midnight on 8 May 1945, VE Day.
In the Far East the War continued. There the end came three months later on 15 August 1945, VJ Day, with the unconditional surrender of Japan and Allied Nations, the world over was able to unite in joyful celebration. The new design created by John Mills beautifully depicts mankind's desire for a peaceful world, featuring in his own words,' a symbol of aspiring peace, the calm, bountiful and optimistic image of a dove'. The obverse bears Raphael Maklouf's elegant portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
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 practice of striking piedforts is later and less frequent, but medieval and Tudor examples are known.
Limited Mintage of 10,000 Worldwide
Piedfort Double the Thickness and Weight of it's Standard Counterpart
Finished to Royal Mint's Proof Quality in Solid .925 Sterling Silver
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the End of the Second Word War
