Coin Collector

CHANGE CHECKER Coin Collector | 38 | www.allaboutcoins.co.uk M ost commonly known as ‘Brexit,’ the 31 January 2020 marked the United Kingdom’s official withdrawal from the European Union. This momentous period in British history was initiated by a referendum on the 23 June 2016 and was later followed by the country triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on 29 March 2017. Over three years after the referendum first took place, Britain has now left the EU, signifying the end of the 47-year-long partnership and the start of a new era for the United Kingdom. This departure was possibly one of the most historically significant events to happen in modern history, and so it was only fitting that a brand new United Kingdom coin should be issued to commemorate the occasion. Brexit 50p coin design The initial design ideas were actually rumoured some time ago and the messaging on the final coin design has stayed true to this, featuring the inscription ‘Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations‘ and the all-important date – 31 January 2020 – underneath. Whilst the creation of the new coin has been a controversial subject for some, its place in British numismatic history is undeniable, especially when you consider that this isn’t the first time Britain’s relationship with the EU has been commemorated on a 50p coin. Discover the UK’s relationship with the EU retold through coins later in this article… Third time lucky! Interestingly, it actually turned out to be third time lucky with the Brexit 50p, which was due to be issued on the 29 March 2019 – the original date Britain was expected to leave the EU. This was pushed back to the 31 October 2019, but when Britain failed to successfully leave by this date, it’s thought that around one million coins had to be melted down to be re-struck with the final date – 31 January 2020. Of course this does beg the question, could any coins struck with the wrong date find their way into circulation? It would certainly make for very interesting collecting if they did! Look out for Brexit 50ps in your change! It’s been reported that three million Brexit 50ps were issued for circulation on the 31 January and collectors are sure to be keen to get their hands on such a historic issue. The coin was also made available in Brilliant Uncirculated, Silver Proof and Gold Proof versions, however the precious metal coins have now completely sold out at The Royal Mint, which is testament to the popularity of the coin. Former Chancellor Sajid Javid, the then Master of the Mint, was given the first batch of coins, including one to present to Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. Excitingly, as part of the launch of the coin, The Royal Mint opened their doors to the South West Headquarters for 24 hours on 31 January to allow collectors to strike their own commemorative Brexit 50p coins! The UK’s partnership with the EU – retold through coins! However, this brand new 50p isn’t the only coin to have been issued to document Britain’s relationship with the European Union. Taking a look back at Britain’s commemorative 50p coin designs tells the story of the 43-year-long partnership between the UK and the EU. 1973 European Economic Community 50p In 1973, after over a decade of debate and discussion, Britain was finally successful in joining the EU – then known as the European Economic Community (EEC). To mark such a ground- breaking partnership, The Royal Mint issued the FIRST-EVER commemorative 50p! It’s hard to believe there was a time when commemorative 50p coins weren’t commonplace, but this 1973 coin was the very first of its kind! The design by David Wynne features nine hands clasping each other in a circle, symbolising the nine member states of the community. As the first-ever commemorative 50p, it’s unsurprising this release is THE STORY BEHIND THE BRITAIN’S EURO COINS After years of political chaos and heated debate around the country, Rachel Hooper of Change Checker dares to mention the ‘B’ word as she provides a guide to the recently issued 50p and how the UK’s partnership with the EU has been told through coins