Piedfort coins — struck at double the standard thickness on an oversize flan — were revived by the Royal Mint in 1982 after a gap of several centuries, initially as collector pieces for the British numismatic market. This 2024 issue marks the fiftieth anniversary of Churchill's appearance on British coinage, his portrait having first featured on the 1965 crown issued within weeks of his death in January that year — the first time a non-royal had appeared on a British circulation coin in the modern era.
The bimetallic piedfort format, combining a .925 silver centre within a gold-plated .925 silver ring, is specific to this commemorative tier and was never issued for general circulation.
Piedfort coins — struck at double the standard thickness on an oversize flan — were revived by the Royal Mint in 1982 after a gap of several centuries, initially as collector pieces for the British numismatic market. This 2024 issue marks the fiftieth anniversary of Churchill's appearance on British coinage, his portrait having first featured on the 1965 crown issued within weeks of his death in January that year — the first time a non-royal had appeared on a British circulation coin in the modern era.
The bimetallic piedfort format, combining a .925 silver centre within a gold-plated .925 silver ring, is specific to this commemorative tier and was never issued for general circulation.