In 2008 it will be the Centenary of the first Olympic Games to be held in London and the Royal Mint released a Limited Issue Olympic Centenary Piedfort £2 Two Pound Silver Proof Coin struck in solid .925 Sterling Silver in celebration of the sporting achievements of the athletes who competed at that 4th Olympiad.
This £2 commemorative coin features a special reverse design by Royal Mint Engraver, Thomas T Docherty and shows a running track as the central image and the anniversary date of 1908. The obverse is the stunning portrait of 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.
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 of 1,619 Worldwide
Piedfort Double the Thickness and Weight of it's Standard Counterpart
Finished to Royal Mint's Proof Quality in Solid .925 Sterling Silver
