Product Information

The 2007 Scouting Centenary fifty pence features on its reverse a new design by Royal Mint engraver Kerry Jones, who said, 'I was inspired by the creativity, simplicity and the sense of adventure that the Scouts promote'.

Kerry cleverly incorporated three distinct elements for her competition-winning design: the globe, which symbolises the worldwide growth of the Scout Movement; the Scouts' famous fleur-de-lys emblem; and their motto, 'Be prepared'.

On its obverse, the coin carries the familiar portrait of Her Majesty the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley, FRBS.

Background & History

The Scout Movement was born in 1907, the brainchild of Robert Baden-Powell. Baden-Powell had seen active service in the British Army in India, Afghanistan and South Africa.

His brilliant defence of the town of Mafeking over the 217 days from October 1899 to May 1900 was a decisive moment in the Second Boer War; it earned him the nickname, 'the wolf that never sleeps'.

On his return to Britain, Baden-Powell wanted to form a movement that would instil in boys skills and values that he believed would equip them as model citizens and capable young men with a bright future. These boys were the first Scouts.

Over the years, the Scout Movement became a worldwide phenomenon, open to boys and girls, which now attracts over 28 million young people to its ranks.

The very first World Scout Jamboree was held in Olympia in London in 1920. At that time, 8,000 people took part.

In 2007, over 40,000 people will come together in the UK to celebrate the movement's history and ongoing place in the lives of young people at the 21st World Scout Jamboree.

For further information on the Scouts please visit www.scouts.org.uk