2007 Scouting Centenary Gold Proof 50p

The worldwide Scout Movement celebrates its centenary this year and in commemoration of this event the British Royal Mint has issued the 2007 Scouting Centenary Gold Proof 50p

Struck from 22 carat gold, the 2007 Scout Movement Gold Proof Fifty Pence has the captivating mirror finish made possible by the time-honored technique of hand-polishing using fine diamond paste.

In 2007, over 40,000 people will come together in the UK to celebrate the movement's history and ongoing place in the lives of young people at the 21st World Scout Jamboree.

The Scout Movement was born in 1907, the brainchild of Robert Baden-Powell, who had seen active service in the British Army in India, Afghanistan and South Africa.

His brilliant defense of the town of Mafeking over the 217 days from October 1899 to May 1900 was a decisive moment in the Second Boer War; it earned him the nickname, 'the wolf that never sleeps'.

On his return to Britain, Baden-Powell wanted to form a movement that would instill in boys skills and values that he believed would equip them as model citizens and capable young men with a bright future. These boys were the first Scouts.

The very first World Scout Jamboree was held in Olympia in London in 1920. At that time, 8,000 people took part.

Over the years, the Scout Movement became a worldwide phenomenon, open to boys and girls, which now attracts over 28 million young people to its ranks.

This is a coin to treasure as much for what it represents as well as for its numismatic quality.

Just 1,250 such coins will be issued worldwide - an extremely low limit each accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity

The 2007 Scout Movement Gold Proof Fifty Pence features on its reverse a new design by Royal Mint engraver Kerry Jones, who said, 'I was inspired by the creativity, simplicity and the sense of adventure that the Scouts promote'.

Kerry cleverly incorporated three distinct elements for her competition-winning design: the globe, which symbolizes the worldwide growth of the Scout Movement; the Scouts' famous fleur-de-lys emblem; and their motto, 'Be prepared'.

On its obverse, the coin carries the familiar portrait of Her Majesty the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.

Due to the limited issue of this delightful gold proof coin you will need to order quickly to ensure you get one of the 2007 Scouting Centenary Gold Proof 50p coins.