Rare 2006 Royal Mint Piedfort Queen Elizabeth II 80th Birthday £5 Five Pound Platinum Proof 3oz Coin with Box & CoA

In 2006, to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II 80th Birthday, the Royal Mint issued a very Limited Issue solid fine .999 Platinum Proof Piedfort £5 Five Pound Crown coin weighing three ounces of pure Platinum.

The obverse has been created by Ian Rank BroadleyThe reverse of the 2006 crown, was designed by medallic artist Danuta Solowiej-Wedderburn. The edge is inscribed in incuse lettering:- VIVAT REGINA ELIZABETHA.

Piedforts are coins which have been specially struck on thicker than normal blanks. As their name suggests they are closely associated with France, where from the twelfth century they were apparently issued by the Kings as presentation pieces. In Britain the practice of striking piedforts is later and less frequent, but medieval and Tudor examples are known.

These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks

Issuing Country: United Kingdom

Metal: Solid Fine .999 Platinum

Weight: 94.20 Grams / Diameter: 38.61mm

Quality: Platinum Proof

Issue Limit: 250 Worldwide

Presented: Boxed and Certificated