Benjamin Britten 50p

The Benjamin Britten 50p coin is a commemorative coin issued by the Royal Mint in 2013 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Britten, one of Britain’s most distinguished composers. This coin holds the distinction of being the first UK coin to commemorate a British composer, highlighting Britten’s significant contribution to classical music and opera.

Design and Features

The design of the Benjamin Britten 50p coin features the composer’s name in stylized font along with the words “Blow bugle blow” and “Set the wild echoes flying,” which are lyrics from his “Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings,” a piece that showcases Britten’s innovative approach to music. The coin also includes the denomination “FIFTY PENCE” and the dates “1913 – 1976,” marking the years of Britten’s birth and death. The obverse of the coin, like all UK coins issued in that period, features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

The designer of the Benjamin Britten 50p coin was Tom Phillips, a notable artist who was chosen to create a design that would fittingly honor Britten’s legacy in British music.

Specifications

• Denomination: 50 pence
• Alloy: Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)
• Weight: 8 grams
• Diameter: 27.3 mm
• Shape: Heptagonal (7-sided)

Collectibility and Significance

The Benjamin Britten 50p coin is sought after by collectors, especially those interested in British cultural history, music, and commemorative coins. Its significance lies not only in its celebration of Britten’s musical achievements but also in its unique status as a coin commemorating a British composer. The coin is appreciated for both its artistic design and its cultural value.

Benjamin Britten Resources

For those interested in exploring Benjamin Britten’s music and legacy further, here are some valuable resources:

• The Britten-Pears Foundation: https://brittenpears.org/
  • Dedicated to preserving the legacy of Benjamin Britten and his partner, Peter Pears, the foundation offers extensive resources on their life, work, and the Britten-Pears Archive.
• The Red House, Aldeburgh: https://brittenpears.org/visit/
  • The former home of Britten and Pears, now a museum and archive that offers insights into their lives and work, hosting a variety of events and exhibitions.
• BBC Music: https://www.bbc.co.uk/music
  • Offers recordings and information on Britten’s compositions, including performances and documentaries.

These resources provide a comprehensive overview of Benjamin Britten’s contributions to music, offering everything from detailed biographical information to recordings of his works. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado of classical music or new to Britten’s compositions, these links serve as a gateway to understanding and appreciating one of Britain’s most influential composers.

100th anniversary of the great composer’s birth

A celebration of Benjamin Britten

Benjamin Britten

Best known for the English opera ‘Peter Grimes’ and ‘The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’, Benjamin Britten is a towering figure in the world of classical music. His astonishing artistic output created over 100 major works for genres as diverse as orchestral, solo, operatic, chamber and film music. He also founded the renowned annual Aldeburgh Festival for Music and the Arts where many of his works were premiered.

Auspiciously, when Britten was born on 22 November 1913, it was the feast day of St Cecilia, patron saint of music. His musical talents emerged early, as he composed his first work at the age of six charmingly entitled, ’Do you no that my Daddy has gone to London today?’  Nowadays, over 1,000 Britten concerts and events take place worldwide every year.

Designed by artist Tom Phillips CBE RA, the coin features the uplifting words BLOW BUGLE BLOW and SET THE WILD ECHOES FLYING as well as the composer’s name in a stave, a reference to his virtuosity as a pianist and conductor. Superbly packaged, there is no finer souvenir of this historic anniversary.

2013 Benjamin Britten 50p Coin

Denomination	50p
Alloy	Cupro-nickel
Weight	8.00 g
Diameter	27.30 mm
Reverse Designer	Tom Phillips CBE RA
Obverse Designer	Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS
Quality	Brilliant Uncirculated

This coin cost £8 when it was issued in 2013.