Fifty Pounds 2016 Shakespeare, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

The Fifty Pounds (£50) coin is a non-circulating legal tender (NCLT) coin type issued by the Royal Mint and sold at face value; the coins are (almost) one troy ounce, but at the time they were issued their face value was higher than their intrinsic value.

The denomination is normally served by a banknote of the same value instead. The coins are legal tender, but contrary to popular belief this does not mean that banks and retailers automatically have to accept them (in practice, they do not accept them). The format was only released in 2015 and 2016.

This commemorative £50 silver coin marks 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare.

"The Royal Mint is proud to strike a range of coins which celebrate every aspect of the man and his timeless words. These coins have been endorsed by world-leading experts at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and are the only official United Kingdom coins to mark this anniversary. This £50 coin is struck in fine silver to Brilliant Uncirculated standard."

William Shakespeare, also known as The Bard of Avon, was perhaps the greatest writer who ever lived, a national icon and titan of English literature. His works remain as relevant and compelling today as they were when they were first performed during Tudor times. His is a treasure trove of theatrical masterpieces; their craft, wit and brilliance transcends the ages.

This is the second £50 coin issued by the Royal Mint in this format, which is slightly different from the one ounce in silver. It is in Brilliant Uncirculated grade, presented in a card, Royal Mint product code: UK16SP50_1, issue price £50.00 (i.e. sold at face value).