Live Metal Prices Last updated: Sat Dec 09 2023 14:04:02 GMT+0100 (British Summer Time)
Au	£51.32	£1,454.85	£1,596.18
Ag	£0.59	£16.67	£18.29
Pt	£23.48	£665.55	£730.21
Pd	£23.81	£674.99	£740.56

Free shipping on all UK orders

Sell today for same day payments

All coins quality checked/authenticated

2005 Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary Fifty Pence Silver Proof Coin

UKSJSP 2005 Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary 50p Silver Proof Boxed

Product Gallery

UKSJSP 2005 Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary 50p Silver Proof Obverse

UKSJSP 2005 Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary 50p Silver Proof Reverse

£28.00

This 2005 Fifty Pence celebrates 250 years since the publication of Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language. Published in April 1755, Johnson’s Dictionary wasn’t the first but was commissioned by a group of London booksellers who were dissatisfied with the dictionaries of the time. Johnson took seven years to single-handedly complete his initial 42,773 word dictionary. A monumental achievement, it remained the most popular English dictionary until the publication of the Oxford English Dictionary more than 150 years later and is known today for its enduring influence on the English language. This coin, designed by Tom Phillips, features a graphic textual design, providing a dictionary definition of the word ‘Fifty Pence’ including etymology, pronunciation and word class. It’s an appropriate tribute to Johnson’s dictionary. Phillips’ reverse is paired with Ian Rank-Broadley’s fourth definitive portrait of Her Majesty the Queen which is used on the obverse of this 50p. This example is struck in 8.00 grams of .925 sterling silver. Finished to proof standard its one of just 4,029 issued by The Royal Mint in this presentation in 2005. You’ll receive your silver proof Samuel Johnson Fifty Pence in its original case with a certificate of authenticity.

£28.00

Track Product

Description Summary Specification Royal Mint About us

Obverse

Ian Rank-Broadley's portrait of Her Majesty the Queen. 'ELIZABETH · II · D G REG · F · D · 2005' around.

Reverse

Graphic design with dictionary definition of 'Fifty Pence' including etymology and pronunciation. Designer: Tom Phillips.

Specification

8.00 grams of .925 sterling silver. Finished to finest proof standard. Diameter: 27.30 millimeters.

Presentation

Only 4,029 of these coins were issued in 2005. This one is presented in its original box from The Royal Mint with a certificate of authenticity.

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 24 hours of receipt, Monday to Friday. 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. Its 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 coins@britanniacoincompany.com.

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.

Very fast delivery, good comms and excellent value. Very pleased with my purchase.

Phil H

1st September 2023

You service was very efficient, delivered very fast, one I ordered the coin on Tuesday night it was delivered on Thursday morning

Alison M

31st August 2023

Extremely efficient service. Purchases received within 1 or 2 days. Great bullion deals with highly competitive premiums. As a repeat customer I can't recommend highly enough.

David R

30th August 2023

Buon giorno. Avete un negozio online ben fornito e di facile utilizzo. L'imballaggio del prodotto è stato ottimo. Ho solo un reclamo da fare ! Ho provato a chiamare presso op vostro negozio più volte senza avere nessuna risposta , ho usato anche il vostro contatto watzap ma anche in questo caso non ho avuto risposta. Vi ho contattato a luglio e agosto per sapere se erano previste le spese doganali,in fine ho acquistato senza sapere ....

Roberto S

29th August 2023

Very easy to use website I think you enter the website and there's the latest "live metal prices" with an "Enter Search Item" bar at the top of the page. I like the fact it has the search feature as the home page. When you search for the item(s) it quickly shows the results, along with images of the coins or coin sets. I like that, too. The only downside with these types of businesses, is that you can't get to see a close up image of the coin and/or coin set you are buying. I feel that, because this company buys coins from collectors, etc. that they will have several items that are the same, but in varying degrees of quality and condition, and then, when your buying a 2nd hand item, it's going to be a case of pot luck on what you're going to get. And so, if it was possible, I'd love for BCC to get images of each item that you're going to buy. This is so you know what you're getting before you buy it. That said, every item I've bought from BCC has been of a very nice quality. Two of the coins were of a staggering high quality and the two sets I bought were much better than the average coin sets from eBay. I would say that BCC are the best company in the UK when it comes to used and brand new coins and coin sets. Not only that, the speed at which they get your order processed and delivered to your door is very very fast. The packaging is also on point and highly professional. Also, and one of the most important things, I really trust the Britannia Coin Company. Their prices are very fair and their items are clean and in good condition. They also have a good standing within the coin community.

Mark D

24th August 2023

Coins were of good quality

Marc G

24th August 2023

Very happy with my purchase. Arrived promptly and in perfect condition.

Malcolm P

24th August 2023

Easy to order and pay online. Next day delivery.

William David E

24th August 2023

I was amazed at the communication from when my order was initiated and being kept in the loop as to the progress. All transactions were good and amazed at how quick my parcel was shipped out and received the following day! Due to excellent customer service I have not hesitated recommending to others.

Kevin A

24th August 2023

Really personal service. I phoned and asked some questions regarding the purchase of a silver Denari coin. I paid online and received it the following day. They were very helpful when I phoned with some more questions about how to identify my coin which I'd received from a bundle. They sent me an email with some great information. Tip top service which is rare to find these days. Many thanks and I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

Jo R

23rd August 2023

2005 Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary Fifty Pence Silver Proof Coin

Product Gallery

Share this

Obverse

Reverse

Specification

Presentation

Condition

Product Summary

A Millennia of Minting

Collecting and Investing

The Royal Mint at The Britannia Coin Company

Buy Collectable Coins Online

Free And Insured UK Shipping

Sell Your Coins With Confidence

Visit Our Wiltshire Showroom

Contact Our Coin Experts Now

Reviews