In 2000 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Public Library Act, the Royal Mint in conjunction with the Library Association a Limited Issue Public Library 50p Fifty Pence Gold Proof Coin struck in solid 22 Carat Gold.
Today, the Public Library Service lies at the very heart of every community in the United Kingdom, underlining education and enriching the quality of life. It is perhaps the biggest cultural revolution the nation has seen, a revolution that began with the Public Libraries Act of 1850 and one that is still in full swing.
Its special reverse design, created by Mary Milner Dickens, depicts the turning pages of a book above the pediment of a classical library building, the facade decorated with CDs to give a modern perspective. The obverse features the portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank Broadley FRBS, FSNAD. These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.
Limited Mintage Presentation of 710 Coins Worldwide
Struck to Royal Mint's Proof Standard in Solid 22 Carat Gold
Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Public Library Act
