Twice the Weight, Twice the Thickness

Eagerly anticipated among collectors, specially struck Piedfort coins are much thicker and heavier than normal - in this case twice the normal weight and thickness.

French monarchs of the 12th century are known to have bestowed treasured Piedforts on visiting dignitaries. The extra weight and thickness of the coins served as a powerful physical reminder of the richness of the kingdom and the skill of its artisans. Wealthy people in medieval Britain, Germany, Bohemia and the Low Countries would also have been familiar with this type of coin. In some countries, they may have been used as currency. However, it is most likely they were struck as patterns, or trial pieces, their extraordinary thickness distinguishing them as original test models.

Proof Quality Sterling Silver

Each coin in this magnificent Set is struck from 92.5% pure silver in proof quality.  The outer rings on the ₤2 coins are plated with fine gold.

Stunning British Designs

The five 2007 Piedfort proof coins bear stunning designs celebrating five major anniversaries and achievements:

Diamond Wedding Anniversary ₤5 Crown

Weight: 56.56g

The Diamond Wedding Anniversary of HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip is celebrated on the obverse of a commemorative crown with a conjoint portrait of the Royal couple by Ian Rank-Broadley.  The reverse features Emma Noble’s portrayal of Westminster Abbey’s rose window, surrounded by the Latin phrase TVEATVR VNITA DEVS, meaning ‘may God guard these united’.

The polished edge bears the inscription 'MY STRENGTH AND STAY', taken from the Queen's speech marking her Golden Wedding anniversary, in which she paid tribute to her husband's continuing support.

Act of Union £2 Coin

Weight: 24g

The Act of Union, which 300 years ago united the kingdoms of Scotland and England, is represented on the reverse of a ₤2 coin by the use of a rose for England and a thistle for Scotland quartered with two portcullises signifying Parliament.

Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade £2 Coin

Weight: 24g

Issued in commemoration of the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade, a second ₤2 coin depicts a chain with one link broken, symbolizing ‘release from subjection’.  The powerful image doubles as the anniversary date of 1807.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge £1 Coin

Weight: 19g

The award winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which links Gateshead with Newcastle across the River Tyne in north-east England, is depicted on a distinctive £1 coin.

Anniversary of the Scouting Movement 50p Coin

Weight: 16g

Celebrating 100 years of scouting adventure, the 50p coin features a globe symbolizing the international popularity of the Scouting Movement, along with the Scouts’ familiar fleur-de-lys and their famous motto ‘Be Prepared’.

United Kingdom Legal Tender

Each Piedfort coin in this Set, which is issued as legal tender of the United Kingdom, bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II, except the crown, which bears a conjoint portrait of the Queen and Prince Philip by the same artist.

Limited Availability

The British Royal Mint will release no more than 3,000 of these Sets worldwide.

Presentation Packaging

Magnificently presented in a luxurious burgundy display case, the Silver Proof Piedfort Five-Coin Set is accompanied by a full-colour booklet and Certificate of Ownership.