In 1998 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the NHS National Health Service, the Royal Mint released a Limited Issue 50p Fifty Pence Gold Proof Coin struck in solid 22 Carat Gold .
On 5 July 1948 the dream of a National Health Service finally became a reality. It was a momentous achievement, spearheaded by philanthropists and social reformers alike. Aneurin Bevan, then Minister of Health, successfully steered the NHS Bill through Parliament. By the nationalisation of all voluntary and municipal hospitals, the bill laid the foundation for a Health Service that was to provide comprehensive medical treatment for all, according to need rather than the ability to pay.
For the first time all hospitals, family practitioners, pharmacists, opticians, dentists and community based services were brought together under one organisation. Fifty years on, the NHS continues to develop, boasting the largest workforce of any organisation in Europe. The special reverse design by David Cornell, reflects the hopes and aspirations of the NHS at its inception, symbolising as it does the dawn of a new and caring age. The obverse bears the new effigy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank Broadley. These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.
Limited Mintage Presentation of 651 Coins Worldwide
Struck to Royal Mint's Proof Standard in Solid 22 Carat Gold
