In 2021 to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Death of HG Wells, the Royal Mint released a Limited Issue HG Wells War of the Worlds Piedfort £2 Two Pound Silver Proof Coin struck in solid .925 Sterling Silver.
The reverse designed by Chris Costello features a four legged Martian with the Invisible Man and an edge inscription of "GOOD BOOKS ARE THE WAREHOUSES OF IDEAS" while the obverse depicts the 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.
Limited Mintage Presentation of 671 Worldwide
Piedfort Double the Thickness and Weight of its Standard Counterpart
Finished to Royal Mint's Proof Quality in Solid .925 Sterling Silver
Celebrating one of the United Kingdom’s most influential authors of all time
Year-dated 2021 Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Wells’ passing
