In 2016 to commemorate the 350th Anniversary of the Great Fire of London, the Royal Mint released a very Limited Issue Great Fire of London Piedfort £2 Two Pound Silver Proof Coin struck in solid .925 Sterling Silver.
The reverse designed by Aaron West depicts his inspiration of the Great Fire of London while the obverse has the stunning Fifth Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark.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.