No Crown?
King Charles faces the opposite direction on the new 50 pence piece as part of a tradition dating back to the 17 century. Breaking with that tradition was the brief reign of Edward the 8th who preferred his portraits facing left. And he was the King.
The transcription around the edge of the coin translates to ‘By the grace of God, defender of the faith’.
Introduced in 1969 the 50 pence piece replaces the 10 shilling note, and although smaller than the original coin, its shape was revolutionary to distinguish it form the existing 10 pence piece.
The making of video
