1998 Silver Proof 50p 2-Coin Set – EEC & NHS

A proof issue Silver two coin set containing 2 x 50p pieces minted in 1998 to commemorate two different events - 25th Anniversary of the EEC and 50th Anniversary of the NHS.  1998 was the only year of issue for this 2 coin set.

The first Silver Proof 50p was issued to commemorate the UK’s 25th Anniversary of membership to the European Union and Presendency of the Council of Ministers and the fifty pence coin was the chosen denomination to commemorate significant events in European history.  The special reverse design by John Mills features a celebratory pattern of the twelve stars of the European Union together with the dates 1973 and 1998.  The obverse bears the new effigy of Her Majesty the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley.

The coin has a weight of 8.00 grammes, measures 27.30 millimetres in diameter and has been struck in sterling .925 silver to exacting Proof quality.  Only 25,000 pieces are available for worldwide distribution.

The second Silver Proof 50p was issued to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the National Health Service.  The special reverse design, by David Cornell, reflects the hopes and aspirations of the NHS in its inception, sybolising as it does the dawn of a new and caring age.  The obverse bears the new effigy of Her Majesty the Queen by Ian Rank-Bradley.

The coin has a weight of 8.00 grammes, measures 27.30 millimetres in diameter and has been struck in sterling .925 silver to exacting Proof quality.  Only 25,000 pieces are available for worldwide distribution.

Both coins are encapsulated side by side and housed in the original Royal Mint box with the Certificates of Authenticity for each coin.