In 2006 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Victoria Cross, the Royal Mint released a Limited Issue Victoria Cross Award 50p Fifty Pence Gold Proof Coin struck in solid 22 Carat Gold.
The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. All who have received it have shown conspicuous bravery, many at the cost of their own lives.
The original idea for the Victoria Cross was proposed by the Duke of Newcastle in 1854 and the Royal Warrant for the creation of the medal was eventually signed by Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace on 29th January 1856. The first investiture took place in June 1857 in Hyde Park where crowds gathered to witness the Queen, mounted on horseback, presenting medals to sailors and soldiers.
The reverse designed by Claire Aldridge depicts the obverse and reverse of the Victorian Cross with the initials VC and the denomination Fifty Pence. 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 1,000 Coins Worldwide
Struck to Royal Mint's Proof Standard in Solid 22 Carat Gold
Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Victoria Cross Award
