2009 50th Anniversary of the Mini £5 Silver Proof Coin
2009 50th Anniversary of the Mini £5 Silver Proof Coin - click on image to enlarge
General Coin Information
For 50 years, the world famous British Mini cars designed by Alec Issigonis have been on the road. The Royal Mint is celebrating this milestone with the 2009 50th Anniversary of the Mini £5 Silver Proof Coin.
Still recovering from the effects of World War II, the British Motor Company asked Alec Issogonis to design a car in response to fuel shortages and rationing that were a daily occurance in Great Britain. Their requirements were simple, it must be economical to buy and to operate, it must hold 4 adults, and strangely enough, it must look like a car!
Issogonis's answer to the challenge was the Mini. His revolutionary concept introduced front-wheel drive with a motor mounted transverselly instead of the traditional setup.
The boxy cars were soon a part of the pop culture scene and their innovative design even led to a new series of race cars. The same basic design has been available in one form or another ever since the initial introduction.
Only 5,000 of these sterling silver proof coins will be struck. Each will be accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. These coins are struck for the Channel Island of Alderney.
Obverse Design
Ian Rank-Broadley's effigy of Queen Elizabeth II appears on the obverse of the coin. The inscriptions "Elizabeth II," "Alderney" and the face value of "Five Pounds" are seen as well.
Reverse Design
David Cornell designed the reverse of the Mini coin to showcase the classic car. The roof of the car is colored with a Union Jack.
British Mini Silver Coin Specifications
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Featured Royal Mint Silver Coin Auctions
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US $34.98
British Mini Silver Coin Resources
- Mint information page
- Additional coin information - CoinNews.net
- Silver Coins
