Numismatic

2023 GB The Coronation of His Majesty 50p Ag Prf Piedfort Coin

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The coronation of King Charles III marked a historic milestone as the first crowning of a British monarch in the 21st century. To commemorate this event, The Royal Mint produced a special Piedfort edition of the 50 pence coin. Piedfort coins are struck on extra-thick blanks, giving them twice the thickness and weight of standard issues, resulting in a substantial and satisfying piece of numismatic art. This particular specimen is struck in 0.925 fine silver, containing 0.4748 troy ounces of precious metal. The obverse of this coin features a significant design element: the very first crowned portrait of King Charles III to appear on coinage. Created by designer Martin Jennings, the left-facing effigy shows the King wearing the Tudor Crown. Surrounding the portrait is the Latin inscription denoting his royal title and the year of issue, 2023. This crowned depiction is a departure from standard circulating coinage, reserved specifically for this historic occasion. The reverse, designed by Natasha Jenkins, complements the coronation theme. This coin represents a bridge to the past, marking the beginning of a new Carolean era, the first since the reign of King Charles II ended in the late 17th century. Struck to a brilliant proof finish, this double-thickness silver coin stands as a beautifully crafted monument to a modern royal transition.