2005 Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary Fifty Pence Piedfort Silver Proof Coin

*As with all silver coins please expect to see light toning/clouding*

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 piedfort Samuel Johnson coin is twice the thickness and weight of an ordinary Fifty Pence coin. It’s struck to finest proof standard in 16.00 grams of .925 sterling silver. One of only 3,808 issued, its offered in its original presentation case from The Royal Mint with a certificate of authenticity enclosed.