In 2012, to celebrate the London Paralympic Games, the Royal Mint released a very Limited Issue Paralympic Piedfort £5 Five Pound Silver Proof Coin struck in solid .925 Sterling Silver.
The reverse designed by Pippa Sanderson is a modern interpretation of some of the key skills we will enjoy watching during the Paralympic Games. The top left section of the coin features an archery target representing accuracy and the words 'London 2012', while the top right of the design shows spoked wheels representing maneuverability. The bottom right section shows Big Ben representing London and the bottom left section of the coin features a stopwatch representing speed and the London 2012 Paralympic emblem. The obverse design is the stunning portrait of Her Majesty 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 practise of striking piedforts is later and less frequent, but medieval and Tudor examples are known.
Limited Mintage 2,012 Coins Worldwide
Piedfort Double the Thickness and Weight of its Standard Counterpart
Finished to Royal Mint's Proof Quality in Solid .925 Sterling Silver
