2000 Fifty Pence Gold Proof British Libraries 150th AnniversaryBritish Public Libraries Commemorative DesignIn 2000, fifty pence coins were issued featuring a special design commemorating the 150th anniversary of British Public Libraries.Public Libraries in the UKUp until the end of the nineteenth century, the provision of free libraries depended wholly on the generosity of benefactors like Dick Whittington who bequeathed a library for public use by the citizens of London. In the main, books were hired from circulating libraries, tobacconists and street hawkers. But Edward Edwards was to change all that. Educated by the Mechanics Institute, a league catering for working men eager for self education, he campaigned passionately for free libraries and his articles so impressed William Ewart, then MP for Dumfries, that an attempt to establish "libraries freely open to the public...in towns in Great Britain and Ireland" was put before Parliament. Despite opposition, their combined efforts bore fruit when in August 1850 the Public Libraries Act received Royal Assent and allowed local councils to fund a "Public Library or Museum of Art and Science or both". For the first time, ordinary people could enjoy free access to the world's storehouse of knowledge and great literature.Today the public library service lies at the very heart of every community in the United Kingdom, underpinning education and enriching the quality of life. It is perhaps the biggest cultural revolution the nation has seen, a revolution that began with the Public Libraries Act of 1850 and one that is still in full swing. The Royal Mint, in conjunction with the Library Association, is therefore proud to mark the 150th Anniversary of the Act with a commemorative fifty pence coin. Its special reverse design, created by Mary Milner Dickens, depicts the turning pages of a book above the pediment of a classical library building, the facade decorated with CDs to give a modern perspective. The obverse features the portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, FSNAD. Public Library Milestones
Obverse - Fourth PortraitAll 2000 coins carried the fourth portrait obverse design by Ian Rank-Broadley.ReverseThe reverse design depicts turning pages of a book above the pediment of a classical library building, its facade covered with CDs to give a modern perspective, and was created by sculptor Mary Milner Dickens.Specifications
Notes on TableIssue Price = Official Royal Mint issue price.Prices & Availability
You may wish to use our order form. Postage & PackingUK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per orderEU Insured Post £10 per order USA Airmail $10, Insured Shipping $20 Canada Airmail $15, Insured Shipping $30 |
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Obverse of 2000 British Libraries Centenary Gold Proof Fifty PenceFifty Pences Index
Reverse of 2000 British Libraries Centenary Gold Proof Fifty Pence
2000 British Libraries Centenary Fifty Pence Gold Proof in Presentation Box |
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