Live Metal Prices Last updated: Mon Apr 14 2025 15:01:02 GMT+0100 (British Summer Time)
Au	£78.16	£2,215.83	£2,431.08
Ag	£0.78	£22.15	£24.30
Pt	£23.22	£658.15	£722.09
Pd	£22.85	£647.79	£710.72

Free shipping on all UK orders

Sell today for same day payments

All coins quality checked/authenticated

1997 Old Large And New Smaller Definitive Britannia Fifty Pence Silver Proof 2 Coin Set

1997 Old and New 50p Set Silver Proof Boxed

Product Gallery

1997 Old and New 50p Set Silver Proof Larger Obverse

1997 Old and New 50p Set Silver Proof Larger Reverse

1997 Old and New 50p Set Silver Proof Smaller Obverse

1997 Old and New 50p Set Silver Proof Smaller Reverse

Buy a 1997 Old Large And New Smaller Definitive Britannia Fifty Pence Silver Proof 2 Coin Set

from

£40.00

The 15th of February 1971 was known as Decimalisation Day. UK coinage moved to a system of tens, with the traditional currency of shillings and farthings and crowns replaced by just pounds and pence. Since then, several coins have undergone transformations in size, weight, and material. The halfpenny was retired after 1984, the Five Pence and Ten Pence both took new, smaller designs, and the One Pound coin has become bimetallic. In 1997, it was the Fifty Pence that got a new design. From the previous diameter of 30.00 milimetres and weight of 13.50 grams, the new size had a diameter of 27.30 milimetres and weighed 8.00 grams. It maintained the same shape, and retained its title as the world’s first seven sided coin. To mark the release of the new version into circulation, The Royal Mint also released proof versions of the new coin in a collectors edition, including this fantastic set of two coins, so you can compare the old and new versions. Both coins in the set carry the same design as the original decimal 50ps, featuring Christopher Ironside’s Britannia reverse of the warrior holding an olive branch and trident, with a shield and lion beside her. The denomination is written around the edge. On the obverse, is Raphael Maklouf’s portrait of The Queen. The official effigy used on circulating coinage would change the following year to that by Ian Rank-Broadley. 10,304 of these two coin sets were issued in silver proof, and yours will come in its original packaging from The Royal Mint with certificate of authenticity. Both coins are comprised of .925 sterling silver and struck to proof quality, giving a greater finish and definition.

£40.00

Track Product

Description Summary Specification Royal Mint About us

Coins In Set

1997 'Old' Large 50p Silver Proof
1997 'New' Smaller 50p Silver Proof

Specification

Coin 1: 13.50 grams of .925 sterling silver, diameter 30.00 millimetres. Coin 2: 8.00 grams of .925 sterling silve, diameter 27.30 millimetres.

Presentation

Coin comes in its original presentation packaging with certificate of authenticity. One of 10,304 in this format.

Condition

The images provided of this product are stock photos. The coin you receive will be from the same issue and will have the same specifications. Some modern UK coins naturally develop toning or milk spots over time and these features may be present on the coin you receive. We cannot exchange coins displaying toning or milkspots.

Steeped in more than 1,100 years of history, The Royal Mint supplies all of the United Kingdom's coinage as well as currency for nations around the world. Renown for craftsmanship and thoughtful design, The Royal Mint also produces commemorative coins, favoured by investors and collectors.

A Millennia of Minting

Founded in the reign of Alfred the Great, around the year 886, The Royal Mint was originally one of several mints which were centralised to London in 1279. For more than 800 years the Mint was based at the Tower of London before moving to Royal Mint Court where it remained until the 1960s.

The Royal Mint has always been on the forefront of economic, technical and artistic innovation. Its skilled craftsmen minted coins that would reach the far corners of the British Empire, establishing the image and reputation of Britain for all whose pockets they ended up in.

In 2010 The Royal Mint became a limited company owned by Her Majesty’s Treasury. In recent years the Mint has struck medals for the 2012 London Olympic Games and opened a visitor centre, The Royal Mint Experience, in Llantrisant, Wales: the current home of The Royal Mint.

Collecting and Investing

The Royal Mint's commemorative and bullion coins – often minted to mark important national events and anniversaries – are not intended for circulation. They might look like ordinary coins but they are generally worth much more, thanks to their scarcity, finish and composition.

Most commemorative coins produced by The Royal Mint are available in a range of striking standards including Gold Proof, Silver Proof, Brilliant Uncirculated and Bullion. Some are also available in collectors sets. Gold and Silver Proof coins are minted in small numbers, making them rare and desirable.

The Royal Mint's commemorative coins are both VAT-free and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exempt, making them an attractive and valuable investment. Whether you are diversifying your investments or simply appreciate world-class design, commemorative coins from The Royal Mint are a great buy.

The Royal Mint at The Britannia Coin Company

The Britannia Coin Company is proud to stock official commemorative coins from The Royal Mint as well as a wide range of historic Royal Mint coinage. We offer unbeatable value on The Royal Mint coins, backed by our reputation for honesty and integrity, built over more than a decade of trading.

Buy and sell coins with confidence when you use The Britannia Coin Company of Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire.

Buy Collectable Coins Online

We offer a wide range of collectable and investment coins in pre-owned and brand-new condition. As our name suggests, we focus on British coins (from hammered metal-detecting finds to modern Royal Mint issues) with a healthy selection of pieces from international mints too. All the coins we sell are 100% guaranteed authentic and, where relevant, are individually certified.

The Britannia Coin Company is part of the Gold-Traders group, founded in 2008. We're members of the British Numismatic Trade Association (BNTA) and pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity and expertise.

You're guaranteed a fully protected service when you buy online with The Britannia Coin Company. Our payment process is fully encrypted, preventing unauthorised access to your personal and financial details. Check your browser bar for the trusted padlock symbol: it's a mark of security.

Free And Insured UK Shipping

The price of all our coins includes free, fully insured UK shipping.

We post most orders within one to three working days of receipt. Please check individual product pages for accurate delivery estimates.

We deliver internationally. All payments are to be made in Pounds Sterling. We have a flat rate international shipping charge of just £15. See our dedicated delivery page for exceptions and further information.

Sell Your Coins With Confidence

Our experts want to make selling your coins a stress-free experience. They're ready to provide transparent valuations for your old coins: whether that's an individual piece or a large collection.

The team buys thousands of coins every month via our postal valuation service. It's a safe and easy way to sell coins from home with payment via bank transfer available the same day you confirm our price.

If you'd prefer to visit us in person, we've got secure, private meeting rooms in our offices at 29 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AE. We recommend calling ahead to book an appointment or check out one of our specialist drop-in valuation days.

Visit Our Wiltshire Showroom

If you're looking for a bargain then why not visit our showroom? We've got lots of great discount coins available in our cabinets at Old Bank Antiques.

From circulating £2s and 50ps to world coins, commemorative sets and new releases to ancients, we've got something for everyone. Make sure you save time to browse the glass, ceramics, jewellery, clocks and militaria on display in the rest of the shop, located at 143 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AB.

You won't find our full range on display in our showroom but if there is something particular you would like to examine then please do get in touch. We're pleased to arrange a private viewing appointment at a time that suits you.

Contact Our Coin Experts Now

Got questions about buying or selling coins? Our friendly team of numismatists (coin experts) are ready to assist with valuations, offers, postage enquiries, and more.

Call our enquiries line on 01793 205 007 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Drop us a line at [email protected].

Message us using our live chat feature (that's the green button, found at the bottom right of this page).

Visit us at 29 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, SN4 7AB (we recommend checking our location map before you set out).

Reviews

We are always proud to show off our previous customers experiences with you and what they thought of our purchasing through with Britannia Coins.

Todo fue muy rápido, el producto impecable, solo es lamentable tener que pagar aduana, el Reino Unido debería volver a la Unión Europea!!!

FRANCISCO JOSE GARCIA RUIZ

15th July 2026

Molto soddisfatto. Celeri, precisi. Per le spedizioni utilizzano il servizio di Royal mail, una sentenza. Grazie

Maurilio Galliani

6th July 2026

Quick delivery, perfect condition. Really pleased with the coin purchased

aANNE M COFFIELD

16th June 2026

Excellent company, it is in this company that you can buy very good coins, at a good price, well packaged and fast delivery. Thank you very much! Good luck in your business!!!

DID ROMAN

22nd May 2026

Delivery and quality as expected

David Richard Seale

7th May 2026

None all perfect Coins amazing as usuall

Robert Sandell

28th April 2026

Your customer focus is second to none. Blogs I've seen are great and great leatning experiences. More please as these are great for us novices

John Tyler

24th April 2026

Free delivery inside UK, quick response.

David Smith

19th April 2026

The purchase was easy to complete, the coin was received within the time frame I expected and the coin and its original packaging was in excellent condition.

George Michael Purshouse

15th April 2026

Excellent service, I bought several high value limited edition gold coins that I couldn’t seem to get elsewhere they were competitively priced, delivery was fast and secure, all coins were well packaged and exactly as described, I am very happy with the whole service that Brittania have provided.

Sam Jalil

2nd April 2026