1997 Fifty Pences

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1997 Silver Proof Pair of Fifty Pences in Presentation Box

1997 Silver Proof Pair of Fifty Pences Certificate

Part of a Continuing Process
This was part of a continuing process of adjusting the size and weight of the circulating coins of the UK, partly to reflect relatively lower values because of inflation. This has also been a world-wide trend.

1990 - 1997
The bronze coins had been drastically reduced in size and weight at decimalisation. The five pences were reduced in 1990, the ten pences in 1992, and now it was the turn of the fifty pence coins.
This year, 1997, the two pound coins were also reduced in size, although previously they had never circulated in any great quantities.

Both Sizes Issued
During 1997, both sizes of fifty pence were issued, as illustrated. Special collectors versions of both types were produced.

Obverse
All 1997 coins carried the third portrait obverse, introduced in 1985, and designed by Ralph David Maklouf, FRSA.
ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 1997

Reverse
The ordinary definitive design of fifty pence features Britannia on the reverse.
Britannia first appeared on Roman coins relating to Britain, re-appearing in 1672 under Charles II on halfpennies and farthings. She remained mainly on copper or bronze coins, before spreading onto the first copper pennies and twopences of 1797. When the reverse designs of the copper coins changed with decimalisation, Britannia moved to the fifty pence coins.
FIFTY PENCE

Specifications

Version	Diameter	Alloy	Weight	Issue
Proof	30	Silver	13.5	20,137

Notes on Table
Diameter = Diameter in millimetres.
Weight = Weight in Grams.

For Sale - Types, Grades and Prices

Size	Description	Qty Issued	Available	Price £	Price $
Pair	Silver Proof	10,304	Ask	£50	$80

1997 Coin Sets
1997 Coins Index

Order Form - UK
Order Form - USA
Order Form - EU
Order Form - Rest of World

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