1999 Rugby World Cup Two Pound Gold ProofIn 1999, the British Royal Mint issued a commemorative £2 coin to celebrate the Rugby World Cup. A base metal version was issued for circulation, and other versions including a gold proof were issued for collectors.The Rugby World Cup 1999A global event.Since the first rugby world cup in 1987, the sport of rugby union has undoubtedly increased in popularity. The rugby world cup brings nations together in the spirit of competition from all over the globe. Emerging nations as well as established rugby-playing countries strove to make the rugby world cup 1999 a festival of athleticism and sportsmanship. A total of forty-one games was played during the tournament at eighteen different venues throughout Great Britain, Ireland and France.
Action from the games was broadcast in over 150 countries to an estimated audience in excess of three billion. Rugby Landmarks1823 - According to tradition William Webb Ellis a boy at Rugby School, took the ball in his arms and ran with it, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the rugby game in the early 19th Century.1871 - The first rugby international was played at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh between Scotland and England. 1883 - England won the first ever Triple Crown. 1884 - The first match was played at Cardiff Arms Park. 1895 - Emerging professionalism in the game of rugby union was stamped out. Some northern clubs broke away and formed the Northern Union, renamed the Rugby League in 1922. 1910 - The Five Nations Championship was played for the first time. 1981 - The Welsh Rugby Union celebrated the centenary of its formation. 1987 - The first Rugby World Cup was hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand won the Webb Ellis Cup. 1991 - The second Rugby World Cup was won by Australia at Twickenham. The competition was hosted by the Five Nations Rugby Unions. 1995 - In August, the International Rugby Board announced the game was to go "Open", beginning the age of true professionalism. 1999 - The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff was the venue for the Rugby World Cup 1999 final. Kick OffThe Rugby World Cup 1999 was the biggest rugby tournament ever. Hosted by the Welsh Union, with assistance from the English, French, Irish and Scottish Unions, the tournaments brought together the players and supporters of twenty countries who qualified from sixty-five competing nations.People of diverse and contrasting cultures from around the world were united in their desire to run with the oval ball. Previous Winners1987 - New Zealand1991 - Australia 1995 - South Africa The Webb Ellis Cup is presented to the winning team. The Millennium StadiumThe Millennium Stadium is built on the site of the old National Stadium, Cardiff Arms Park. A masterpiece of modern engineering and construction techniques, work on this magnificent stadium commenced in March 1997. It features an opening roof which will enable events to be held in all weather conditions.The Millennium Stadium was the venue for many prestigious sporting events and was the setting for the Rugby World Cup Final on 6th November 1999. ObverseThe Fourth PortraitThe obverse (head side) is the fourth major portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank Broadley, FRBS, FSNAD, whose initials IRB appear under the head. ReverseFeatured on the reverse is a design by medallist Ron Dutton symbolising a stadium and the distinctively shaped rugby ball and posts.EdgeThe edge is milled and has the incuse inscription:-RUGBY WORLD CUP 1999
Gold Proof VersionFor the gold proof version, the coin is still bi-metallic, and made from two separate pieces, but both are 22 carat gold, with different amounts of silver added.The inner disc is 22 carat yellow gold, while the outer disc is 22 carat red gold. Specifications
Prices & AvailabilityThis is the last one we currently have in stock. Unfortunately there is no certificate.
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 via Fedex $60 |
 |
Obverse of 1999 Rugby World Cup £2 ProofTwo Pounds Index
Reverse of Rugby World Cup Gold £2 CoinTwo Pounds Information
|
||||||||||||||||
