50 Pence - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait, Entry into EEC

Britain formally acceded to the European Economic Community on 1 January 1973, after two previous applications had been vetoed by Charles de Gaulle in 1963 and 1967. This coin was issued to mark that entry — one of the few British circulation pieces ever produced to commemorate a specific political event rather than a royal occasion. Heath's government had staked considerable political capital on membership, and the Royal Mint's decision to issue a commemorative for general circulation reflected the official optimism of the moment. It remains the only 50 pence struck for this purpose.