Weightlifting 50p

Description

The Weightlifting 50p coin is part of the Royal Mint’s commemorative series issued to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This series, featuring 29 different designs representing various Olympic sports, was created to honor the Games hosted in London. The Weightlifting 50p specifically pays tribute to the sport of weightlifting, a discipline known for its demonstration of human strength, technique, and determination.

Design and Features

The design on the Weightlifting 50p coin features a weightlifter in the act of performing a lift, capturing the power and concentration required in the sport. This imagery aims to convey the physical strength and precision that are hallmarks of weightlifting, highlighting its significance within the Olympic Games. The design celebrates the sport’s long history and its role in testing the limits of human athletic performance.

The designer of the Weightlifting 50p coin was Rob Shakespeare, who was selected through a public competition that invited individuals from across the United Kingdom to submit their designs. This inclusive approach allowed for a wide range of artistic interpretations, ultimately resulting in a collection that celebrated the Olympic spirit through the diverse and creative visions of its citizens.

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 Weightlifting 50p coin, like the others in the London 2012 series, has become a sought-after collectible, especially among those with an interest in Olympic memorabilia, sports-themed numismatics, or weightlifting enthusiasts. The series was praised for its role in engaging the public with the Olympic spirit, and many people collected these coins as a way to feel connected to the Games.

The collectible value of the coin can vary based on factors such as its condition (circulated vs. uncirculated), rarity, and demand among collectors. While its face value is 50 pence, certain coins from the series, depending on their popularity or the number minted, may be considered more valuable in the collectors’ market.

Weightlifting Resources in the UK

For those interested in getting involved with or learning more about weightlifting in the UK, here are some valuable resources:

• British Weight Lifting (BWL): https://britishweightlifting.org/
  • The national governing body for weightlifting and para-powerlifting in the UK, offering information on clubs, coaching, competitions, and how to get started in weightlifting.
• Find a Club: https://britishweightlifting.org/clubs
  • BWL’s club finder tool helps individuals locate weightlifting clubs in their area, making it easier to get involved in the sport.
• Courses and Qualifications: https://britishweightlifting.org/coaching
  • BWL offers a range of coaching and officiating courses for those interested in teaching or officiating weightlifting.
• Competitions: https://britishweightlifting.org/competitions
  • Stay updated with the latest weightlifting competitions and events happening around the UK, including national championships and qualification events for international competitions.

These resources offer a comprehensive starting point for anyone in the UK interested in weightlifting, whether you’re looking to learn the sport, find a local club, or follow competitive weightlifting events.

The London 2012 50p Weightlifting coin

The Weightlifting 50p coin, designed by Rob Shakespeare, comes in a fun and vibrant pack, making the London 2012 Sports Collection a special set of coins.

The designer of the Weightlifting coin

Rob Shakespeare, a police officer from Manchester, designed the weightlifting coin. As a past bodybuilder and wrestler, Rob is intrinsically linked to the sport and wanted to create a coin that simply expressed the power and movement that is required.