This rare 1997 UK Fifty Pence coin features Raphael Maklouf's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side. The fact that 1997 was the last year that Maklouf's portrait was used has likely added to the appeal of these coins, given that they are the only small-size Fifty Pences to feature this image of The Queen.
The reverse or 'tails' design is the work of Christopher Ironside. His engraving shows the legendary Britannia, the female personification of the British Isles, with the English lion by her side. Armed with her trident and a Union jack shield, Britannia has been a feature of British coinage for centuries, Roman symbol of Empire. Ironside's seated Britannia was originally modelled by his wife with the composition inspired by Victorian Pennies and Halfpennies. The words 'FIFTY PENCE' appear at the top of the coin with '50' below the figure.
The two designs used on 1997 50ps are called 'definitive designs' as they are used across multiple years. They differ from 'commemorative designs' which are generally struck for one year only in limited numbers.
 
As 1997 was the year that the new, smaller 50p coin was introduced to replace the old larger coins making it a transition year.  This 1997 coin is a prize addition to any coin collection especially due to its historcal significance.