In 2003 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the formation by Emmeline Pankhurst of the Women's Social and Political Union, the Royal Mint released a Limited Issue Suffragettes 50p Fifty Pence Gold Proof Coin struck in solid 22 Carat Gold.
The reverse design by Mary Milner features a Suffragette, while the obverse bears a mature portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank Broadley. It eventually achieved complete success in 1928 when all women received the right to vote. Emmeline Pankhurst and a multitude of other women including her daughter Christabel, were dedicated to obtaining equal rights for women, but the militancy of the Suffragettes alarmed members of Parliament and resulted in the imprisonment of many women.
The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 halted their campaign and ironically, it was the crucial contribution women made to the war effort that gave them the success they deserved. Whom amongst the Suffragettes could have seriously envisaged that before the end of the Century there would have been a female Prime Minister?
Today, women receive the same standard of education as men and just like men, may follow their ambitions and dreams. Their lives have changed dramatically and today women can now take advantage of the rights they have acquired by contributing fully to society in all its aspects. These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.
Limited Mintage Presentation of 942 Coins Worldwide
Struck to Royal Mint's Proof Standard in Solid 22 Carat Gold
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Formation of the Women's Social and Political Union
Royal Mint Boxed with Certificate of Authenticity Sealed
