Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. The half ounce (1/2 oz) gold coins are denominated as Fifty Pounds (£50).
The coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at bullion investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art. The mint makes a distinction between plain "bullion" coins (issued in Brilliant Uncirculated grade) and proofs; the "bullion-grade" coins have textured backgrounds of both the obverse and the reverse designs and use the generic "authoritative" design, while proofs are typically "one-year" types. They are usually issued in parallel with other denominations/sizes having the same reverse designs.
The 2000 gold half-ounce (1/2oz) coin was issued by the Royal Mint with the "definitive" standing Britannia type.
The composition of the coin is 91.77% gold alloyed with 8.23% silver. The coin was issued as "bullion" (in Brilliant Uncirculated grade) and in Proof FDC grade in mint sets. |