Coins have a big part in Austin history. When the company was in financial trouble, legend has it that Herbert Austin took a coin from his pocket and tossed it in the air - heads to stay open, tails to close. It landed heads up, so Austin asked his workers to work a month for free, in return for a job for life (as long as the factory was open). The company produced a commemorative coin to celebrate its Golden Jubilee. The year 1987 was the year the Austin name was discontinued so perhaps this one marks that event.