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2005 Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary 50p Silver Proof

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

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

from

£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.

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Description Summary 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.

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.

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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.

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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.

After order it took only 2 days to arrive. The half sovereign proof coin is flawless and came in a luxury presentation box. So pleased. Will definitely use this service again

Adrian J

28th April 2022

Good fast service

Colin Good

28th April 2022

My coin arrived and it was gorgeous. Cannot quit looking at it. Thank you for your prompt shipping of it. I would purchase again!

Debbie L

26th April 2022

Very efficient service, and got exactly what I paid for. I would recommend.

Robert McCulloch

22nd April 2022

Very impressed with this service. The pricing is very good. Communication and delivery excellent. First place I look for coins and PMs.

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22nd April 2022

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21st April 2022

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Robert McCulloch

21st April 2022

excellent service, very fast delivery, and goods were exactly as described on the website. I am delighted with this item. I highly recommend Britannia Coin to anyone buying from their website.

Miles Dolphin

21st April 2022

Nice clear website with all the detail I needed to make the purchase. Item was despatched and received quickly.

Richard Carter

20th April 2022

Prompt service. Appreciate also your quick answer to my inquiry. The coin was just as advertised. I am very pleased with the whole buying experience. It was also helpful to be able to track the shipment from England across the Atlantic to the USA Thank you very much. I had been looking for a long time for a reasonably priced groat from this period. Sending my best wishes.

Charles E

30th March 2022

2005 Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary 50p Silver Proof

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Obverse

Reverse

Specification

Presentation

Product Summary

A Millennia of Minting

Collecting and Investing

The Royal Mint at The Britannia Coin Company

Buy with Confidence

Visit our Showroom

Get in Touch

Reviews