In 1998 the Royal Mint released a Limited Issue Piedfort Shoulders of Giants £2 Two Pound Silver Proof Coin struck in solid .925 Sterling Silver with 24 Carat Gold Plating.
The elaborate reverse design by Bruce Rushin, comprising four concentric circles emanating from the heart of the coin, celebrates the development of technology from the Iron Age to today‘s age of cyberspace. With its continuing outward movement, this innovative design skillfully unites both past and present, while also alluding to the possibilities the future may hold.
The central area identifies with the Iron Age and features decorative whirls so familiar in ancient Celtic Art. The second ring, with its series of cogs and wheels, encompasses the dynamic growth of industrial development in Britain during the eighteenth century, while the third ring with its intricate pattern based on the silicon chip, embraces the computer age of the twentieth century.
The final outer ring represents the Internet and information superhighway which allows us to look at the present and contemplate the astonishing advances that have been made in computer technology. The obverse bears Queen Elizabeth II portrait 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 practice of striking piedforts is later and less frequent, but medieval and Tudor examples are known.
Limited Mintage 7,646 Worldwide
Piedfort Double the Thickness and Weight of it's Standard Counterpart
Finished to Royal Mint's Proof Quality in Solid .925 Sterling Silver
