Lot 98: UK 2000 Public Libraries Act 150th Anniversary BU 50 Pence

A United Kingdom cupro-nickel 50 pence coin, dated 2000, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Public Libraries Act of 1850. The seven-sided coin, of equilateral curve heptagon form, is presented in its original Royal Mint illustrative card packaging. The reverse, designed by Mary Milner Dickens, features an open book positioned above the facade of a classical library building. The reverse legend across the book pages and building reads 1850, 2000, 50 PENCE, and PUBLIC LIBRARIES. The obverse features the fourth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The coin is housed in a fold-out presentation pack with a textured red leather-effect cover bearing gold-tone lettering reading THE PUBLIC LIBRARY 1850-2000, 150 YEARS, and 50P COIN. The interior of the pack features a historical illustration of a library interior and text detailing the history of the Public Libraries Act, including a quote by Thomas Greenwood.