2007 Abolition Of The Slave Trade 200th Anniversary Two Pound Piedfort Silver Proof Coin

*As with all silver coins please expect to see light toning/clouding*

First issued in 2007, this Piedfort Two Pound coin is a solemn reminder of a dark chapter in British history. During the eighteenth century, the British economy was thriving from the profits gained by enslaving people. In 1778, slavery was declared illegal in Scotland and in 1807 the Slave Trade Abolition Bill was passed in British Parliament, which prohibited the trading of enslaved people while not fully abolishing slavery itself within the British Empire. Twenty six years later, the Slavery Abolition Bill finally made the purchase and ownership of people illegal in the majority of British territory. The 1807 legislation was the foundation for a continued fight against slavery, and to celebrate the bicentenary of this influential Act, The Royal Mint released a special commemorative series of Two Pound coins, including this Piedfort silver proof edition. It features a design by David Gentleman on the reverse displaying the year 1807, with the 0 acting as a broken link in the chain. The legend reads ‘AN ACT FOR THE ABOLITION OF THE SLAVE TRADE’ while around the edge is inscribed ‘AM I NOT A MAN, AND A BROTHER’. This is reference to the abolitionist seal used by Josiah Wedgwood’s pottery firm. The powerful design is accompanied on the obverse by Ian Rank-Broadley’s portrait of The Queen. In a standard weight of 24.00 grams, this £2 is struck in .925 sterling silver with a band of fine gold plating around the edge reminiscent of the Two Pounds in your change. It is one of 3,990 coins issued in this presentation, and comes in its original packaging with certificate of authenticity.