Coin

50 Pence - Elizabeth II European Union; Silver (1998) — United Kingdom

United Kingdom • 1998 • KM# 992a, Sp# H9, H25

50 Pence - Elizabeth II European Union; Silver (1998) — United Kingdom

Overview

Commemorative issue: 25th anniversary of UK membership in the European Union. Struck as Proof.

Specifications

Country
United Kingdom
Year
1998
Composition
Silver (.925)
Weight
8 g
Diameter
27.3 mm
Thickness
1.78 mm
Mint
Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date)
Shape
Equilateral curve heptagon (7-sided)
Technique
Milled
References
KM# 992a, Sp# H9, H25
Issuer
United Kingdom

Design details

Obverse

Fourth crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, legend around. Lettering: ELIZABETH-II-D-G REG-F-D-1998 IRB. Unabridged legend: Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensatrix. Translation: Elizabeth II by the Grace of God Queen Defender of the Faith.

Reverse

Pattern of twelve stars representing the twelve members of the European Union, with commemorative dates and denomination below. Lettering: 1973 EU 1998 50 PENCE JWM.

Collector insights

  • Design heritage: Ian Rank-Broadley (obverse), John Mills (reverse) is credited as the designer for the Standard circulation coins series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
  • Struck at: Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date). Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
  • Low mintage: Only 8,859 pieces reported. This puts the issue into key-date territory for its series; expect steep grade-based price scaling and a higher counterfeit risk — provenance and third-party grading matter.
  • Precious metal content: Silver (.925) — bullion value provides a price floor, and many circulated examples were melted during the 1979–1980 and post-2010 silver spikes, reducing the surviving population.
  • Catalogue reference: Listed as KM# 992a, Sp# H9, H25. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

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