Big, Bold, Beautiful British Piedforts

Expansion of the PCGS World Coin Registry has been extremely interesting and challenging. When a request for British Piedfort sets came across my desk, my first thought was, "what the heck is a piedfort?" I had seen the name in passing, but really had no idea of the coin's history or even what the coin was. My research began and to my surprise I found the piedfort to be a very interesting area of numismatics geared especially for collectors.

The origin of the word is French, spelled "piefort" and pronounced "pee-ay-for" with the "t" silent. The most commonly accepted spelling is "piedfort." Translated it means "heavy weight" or "heavy measure" and that is exactly what it is. It is a coin or pattern that is about twice the weight and thickness of a regular issue. An excellent illustration of the piedfort's thickness relative to a regular issue can be found on Wikipedia.

Today, a number of countries mint piedforts expressly for collectors, but the original piedfort served a different purpose. The coins can be traced back to the 12th century when French monarchs may have issued them as presentation pieces. In England, the piedfort first made an appearance during the reign of Edward I. These were in the form of thick silver pennies. In the Middle Ages, when there was no centralized mint in England, it is surmised that piedforts were given to various mints outside London so engravers could copy the design. The gold double-sovereigns, which were probably issued as presentation pieces for Henry VII, are the most recognizable early issues. A sixpence in 1588 is the last known British example until 1982 when the Royal Mint issued a silver 20 pence piedfort featuring the Royal Badge of the Rose of England.

Urban myth? The respected Spink catalogue of British coins lists a 1973 50 pence commemorative as the first piedfort of the modern era; however, there is no mention of this coin by the Royal Mint. Spink describes the 1973 50 pence commemorative for the Accession to European Economic Community as a silver coin with a thicker planchet than the circulation strike coin, though not double the size. The coin is said to have been presented to the EEC Finance Ministers. To date, no 1973 piedfort has been graded by PCGS.

Through the 80s and 90s, mintages of the British piedforts averaged 10,000 for each issue. In the 21st century, the mintages decreased. The 2005 £5 200th Anniversary of the Death of Lord Nelson commemorative in platinum only had a mintage of 200. The 2008, only 150 £5 450th Anniversary of the Accession of Queen Elizabeth I platinum piedforts were struck. And, the platinum versions of the 2009 £5 500th Anniversary of the Accession of King Henry VIII and the 2010 £5 350th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Monarchy only had a mintage of 100 each. These are big, beautifully designed, proof coins with contrasting cameo devices.

In recent years, the Royal Mint has done exemplary work on their commemorative designs which have then been parlayed into the piedfort issues. From celebrating the birthdays of dignitaries and historical figures, moments in history, to the more recent Olympic issues, the designs are as varied as they are unique. Silver, gold and platinum are all represented. While some penny, 2 pence, 5 pence, 10 pence and 20 pence piedforts were produced, the Royal Mint has concentrated its production on the bigger denominations. With the exclusion of the 1973 issue, the 50 pence was produced regularly beginning in 1992. The first £1 piedfort was minted in 1983. £2 came onto the scene in 1989, and the £5 was introduced in 2000.

Beginning in 1997 the silver £2 piedforts featured a gold-plated ring around the circumference. The 1999 £2 Rugby World Cup silver issue is unique in that the piedfort features a colored hologram on the reverse. Another great design is the 2009 £2 200th Anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin. It features the profile of Darwin facing the profile of an ape.

One of my personal favorites is the new 2012 Charles Dickens gold-plated silver £2. This coin was issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth Charles Dickens. The design is unique in that it is a modern depiction of a Victorian image. Incorporating the titles of some of Dickens' work, the designer, Matthew Dent, has created the likeness of a well-known profile by using letters. If you look closely, you'll recognize the names of novels such as Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. The edge is inscribed "SOMETHING WILL TURN UP" which is a quote from David Copperfield.

In the PCGS Set Registry you'll find seven composites for British Piedforts. A special thank you goes to Ingram at The London Coin Company who has provided valuable guidance in the establishment of these sets.

Silver Small Denominations - 13 coins currently required
Gold 50 Pence - 11 coins currently required
Silver 50 Pence - 17 coins currently required
Silver £1 - 28 coins currently required
Silver £2 - 29 coins currently required
Platinum £5 - 7 coins currently required
Silver £5 - 13 coins currently required

Collecting the British piedfort can satisfy the collector in several ways. Piedforts provide a snapshot of Great Britain's fascinating history. The coins are beautifully designed. And, finally, when you hold a piedfort in your hand, by its weight alone, you know you are holding a solid piece of silver, gold or platinum!