In 2004, to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Entente Cordiale, the Royal Mint released a very Limited Issue Entente Cordiale Piedfort £5 Five Pound Platinum Proof Coin struck in solid fine .9995 Platinum weighing three ounces of pure Platinum.
The reverse is the work of well known British artist, David Gentleman. It combines and unifies the two great national symbols of Britain and France Britannia and Marianne.
They are reproduced from two coins contemporary with the Entente Cordiale the standing Britannia florin by George William De Saulles and the French two francs by Louis Oscar Roty. The obverse of the Crown bears the familiar portrait of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank Broadley. These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.
Piedforts are coins which have been specially struck on thicker than normal blanks.
As their name suggests they are closely associated with France, where from the twelfth century they were apparently issued by the Kings as presentation pieces. In Britain the practise of striking piedforts is later and less frequent, but medieval and Tudor examples are known.
Limited Mintage of 500 Coins Worldwide
Finished to Royal Mint's Proof Quality
Struck in Solid Fine 999.5 Pure Platinum Weighing Three Ounces of Platinum
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Entente Cordiale
