A Story of Struggle and Sacrifice Captured on a Grand Piedfort UK Coin

Today we may take the right to vote for granted. When we turn 18, regardless of gender or class, we have a voice at the polls. Just over 100 years ago, before the outbreak of the First World War, that right was held by a narrow section of society; just 60% of male householders over the age of 21. The Suffrage Movement had fought tirelessly for women’s rights to vote. But it took the sacrifices and social evolution of the war to trigger the change.

The Representation of the People Act 1918 allowed more men to vote, including those over 19 who served in the military. Crucially, it gave women over 30 ‘of property’ the right to vote for the first time, and paved the way for equal representation in 1928. 100 years later we recognise its influence on our lives today with this official UK 50p Piedfort coin with a design by Royal Mint coin designer Stephen Taylor. The coin is struck in double the thickness of sterling silver as the standard 50p coin and comes with a booklet that tells the story of the Act and the people behind it.