Coin

50 Pence - Elizabeth II 4th portrait; Britannia, Silver (2008) — United Kingdom

United Kingdom • 2008 • KM# 991a, Sp# H8, H24

50 Pence - Elizabeth II 4th portrait; Britannia, Silver (2008) — United Kingdom

Overview

Silver proof 50 Pence coin from 2008, part of the Elizabeth II series of standard circulation coins, featuring the fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and Britannia. Struck as Proof.

Specifications

Country
United Kingdom
Year
2008
Composition
Silver (.925)
Weight
8 g
Diameter
27.3 mm
Mint
Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date)
Shape
Equilateral curve heptagon (7-sided)
Technique
Milled
References
KM# 991a, Sp# H8, H24
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. Script: Latin. Lettering: ELIZABETH·II·D·G·REG·F·D·2008 IRB. Unabridged legend: Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensatrix. Translation: Elizabeth II by the Grace of God Queen Defender of the Faith.

Reverse

A figure of Britannia seated beside a lion, with a shield resting against her right side, holding a trident in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, denomination below and legend above. Script: Latin. Lettering: FIFTY PENCE, 50.

Collector insights

  • Design heritage: Ian Rank-Broadley (obverse), Christopher Ironside (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 8,168 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# 991a, Sp# H8, H24. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

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