Normal version; The Royal Mint released this commemorative Two Pound to celebrate the fourth Rugby World Cup. Hosted primarily by Wales, the championship was the first held in the professional era of rugby union. The opening ceremony took place in Cardiff’s new Millennium Stadium with other matches played in England, France, Ireland, and Scotland. The final was fought between Australia and France with the former winning 35-12. The design of this highly collectible coin shows the image of a stadium from above with the field forming a rugby ball. It is the work of sculptor and medallist Ron Dutton who wanted to capture the ‘pulsating atmosphere’ of a game. This edition is struck in 12.00 grams of .925 sterling silver while the outer edge is plated in fine gold. The coin has a 28.40 millimetre diameter, comparable to circulating £2s and comes in its original presentation case with certificate of authenticity. Pietfort version; The Royal Mint released this Two Pound piedfort silver proof coin to celebrate the fourth Rugby World Cup, held in 1999 and won by Australia. The celebratory coin was the first in the UK to feature a holographic design, in this case a rugby ball superimposed over a goal post. This hard-to-photograph motif was the work of medallist Ron Dutton and the effect really brings the atmosphere of a stadium to life. The edge inscription reads ‘RUGBY WORLD CUP 1999’. It is joined on the obverse by Queen Elizabeth II in Ian Rank-Broadley’s fourth definitive portrait. From a limited mintage of 10,000 coins, this double-weight piedfort edition is struck in 24.00 grams of .925 sterling silver and has a gold plated rim. You’ll receive your 1999 Rugby World Cup coin in box with The Royal Mint certificate of authenticity.