United kingdom decimal coins issued into general circulation up to 31 december 2015

United Kingdom decimal coins issued into general circulation up to 31 December 2015 View figures for 10p - 1/2p ÂŁ2

ÂŁ1

50p

1968 1969

188,400,000 (Britannia)

1970

19,461,500 (Britannia)

1971 1972 1973

89,775,000 (EEC)

1974 1975 1976

43,746,500 (Britannia)

1977

49,536,000 (Britannia)

1978

72,005,500 (Britannia)

1979

58,680,000 (Britannia)

1980

89,086,000 (Britannia)

1981

74,002,000 (Britannia)

20p

1982

51,312,000 (Britannia)

740,815,000

62,824,904 (Britannia)

158,463,000

1983

443,053,510 (Royal Arms)

1984

146,256,501 (Thistle)

1985

228,430,749 (Leek)

1986

10,409,501 (Flax Plant)

1987

39,298,502 (Oak Tree)

1988

7,118,825 (Royal Shield Gorringe)

1989

70,580,501 (Thistle)

132,013,890

1990

97,269,302 (Leek)

88,097,500

1991

38,443,575 (Flax Plant)

35,901,250

1992

36,320,487 (Oak Tree)

1993

114,744,500 (Royal Arms)

1994

29,752,525 (Lion Rampant)

1995

34,503,501 (Dragon)

1996

89,886,000 (Celtic Cross)

1997

13,734,625 (Technology)

1998

91,110,375 (Technology)

57,117,450 (Three Lions)

65,350,965 682,103 (Britannia)

74,273,699

137,450,000

38,038,344

109,000 (Single Market)

31,205,000

123,123,750 6,705,520 (D-Day)

67,131,250

102,005,000

83,163,750 456,364,100 (Britannia)

89,518,750

64,306,500 (Britannia)

76,965,000

5,001,000 (NHS)

5,043,000 (EU) 1999

33,719,000 (Technology)

24,905,000 (Britannia)

73,478,750

27,915,500 (Britannia)

136,428,750

4,933,000 (Rugby World Cup) 2000

25,770,000 (Technology)

109,496,500 (Dragon)

11,263,000 (Public Libraries Act) 2001

34,984,750 (Technology)

63,968,065 (Celtic Cross)

84,998,500 (Britannia)

148,122,500

77,818,000 (Three Lions)

23,907,500 (Britannia)

93,360,000

61,596,500 (Royal Arms)

23,583,000 (Britannia)

153,383,750

4,558,000 (Marconi) 2002

13,024,750 (Technology) 771,750 (Commonwealth Games Scotland) 588,500 (Commonwealth Games Wales) 485,500 (Commonwealth Games Ireland) 650,500 (Commonwealth Games England)

2003

17,531,250 (Technology) 4,299,000 (DNA)

2004

11,981,500 (Technology)

3,124,030 (Suffragettes) 39,162,000 (Forth Railway Bridge)

5,004,500 (Trevithick) 2005

3,837,250 (Technology)

35,315,500 (Britannia)

120,212,500

9,032,500 (Roger Bannister) 99,429,500 (Menai Bridge)

25,363,500 (Britannia)

124,488,750

10,191,000 (World War II)

17,649,000 (Dictionary)

5,140,500 (Gunpowder Plot)

2006

2007

16,715,000 (Technology)

38,938,000 (Egyptian Arch Bridge)

24,567,000 (Britannia)

7,928,250 (Brunel - portrait)

12,087,000 (VC - award)

7,452,250 (Brunel - achievements)

10,000,500 (VC - heroic acts)

10,270,000 (Technology)

26,180,160 (Millennium Bridge)

7,545,000 (Act of Union)

11,200,000 (Britannia)

114,800,000

117,075,000

7,710,750 (Scouting)

8,445,000 (Slave Trade) 2008

30,107,000 (Technology)

3,910,000 (Royal Arms)

3,500,000 (Britannia)

11,900,000 (Gardner)

910,000 (1908 Olympic Games)

43,827,300 (Royal Shield)

22,747,000 (Dent)

115,022,000 (Dent)

27,625,600 (Royal Shield)

210,000 (Kew Gardens)

121,625,300

6,890,000 (Technology)

57,120,000 (Royal Shield)

7,410,090 (Girl Guiding)

112,875,500

6,175,000 (Florence Nightingale)

6,205,000 (Belfast)

3,400,000 (WWF)

191,625,000

918,000 (Olympic Games Handover) 2009

8,775,000 (Technology) 3,903,000 (Darwin) 3,253,000 (Burns)

2010

2,635,000 (London) 2011

24,375,030 (Technology)

25,415,000 (Royal Shield)

2012

975,000 (King James Bible)

1,615,000 (Cardiff)

Sporting series (see table below)

1,040,000 (Mary Rose)

935,000 (Edinburgh)

3,900,000 (Technology)

35,700,030 (Royal Shield)

32,300,030 (Royal Shield)

69,650,030

15,860,250 (Technology)

13,090,500 (Royal Shield)

10,301,000 (Royal Shield)

66,325,000

1,690,000 (London Underground - The Train)

5,270,000 (England)

5,300,000 (Benjamin Britten)

1,560,000 (London Underground - The Roundel)

5,270,000 (Wales)

7,000,000 (Christopher Ironside)

18,200,000 (Technology)

79,305,200 (Royal Shield)

49,001,000 (Royal Shield)

5,720,000 (FWW Outbreak)

5,780,000 (Ireland)

6,500,000 (Glasgow 2014)

3,705,000 (Trinity House)

5,185,000 (Scotland)

35,360,058 (Technology - 4th Portrait)

29,580,000 (Royal Shield - 4th Portrait)

1,495,000 (Magna Carta - 5th Portrait)

62,475,640 (Royal Shield - 5th Portrait)

845,000 (Olympic Games Handover) 8,190,000 (Charles Dickens) 2013

2,990,000 (Anniversary of the Guinea) 2014

2015

650,000 (FWW Navy - 5th Portrait) 650,000 (Britannia - 5th Portrait)

20,101,000 (Royal Shield - 4th Portrait)

5,900,000 (Battle of Britain - 5th Portrait)

173,775,000

63,175,000 (4th Portrait) 131,250,000 (5th Portrait)

10p

5p

1968

336,143,250

98,868,250

1969

314,008,000

120,270,000

1970

133,571,000

225,948,525

1971

63,205,000

81,783,475

2p

1,454,856,250

1p

1/2p

1,521,666,250

1,394,188,250

1972 1973

152,174,000

280,196,000

365,680,000

1974

92,741,000

330,892,000

365,448,000

1975

181,559,000

145,545,000

221,604,000

197,600,000

1976

228,220,000

181,379,000

300,160,000

412,172,000

1977

59,323,000

24,308,000

109,281,000

285,430,000

66,368,000

61,094,000

189,658,000

292,770,000

59,532,000

1978

141,539,000

1979

115,457,000

155,456,000

260,200,000

459,000,000

219,132,000

1980

88,650,000

220,566,000

408,527,000

416,304,000

202,788,000

1981

3,487,000

353,191,000

301,800,000

46,748,000

1982

100,292,000

190,752,000

1983

243,002,000

7,600,000

1984

154,759,625

1985

107,113,000

200,605,245

1986

168,967,500

369,989,130

1987

48,220,000

218,100,750

499,946,000

1988

120,744,610

419,889,000

793,492,000

1989

101,406,000

359,226,000

658,142,000

1990

1,634,976,005

204,499,700

529,047,500

1991

724,979,000

86,625,250

206,457,600

453,173,500

102,247,000

253,867,000

235,674,000

602,590,000

531,628,000

843,834,000

1992

1,413,455,170

1993 1994

93,602,000

1995

43,259,000

183,384,000

124,482,000

303,314,000

1996

118,738,000

302,902,000

296,278,000

723,840,060

1997

99,196,000

236,596,000

496,116,000

396,874,000

217,376,000

98,676,000 (bronze)

739,770,000

1998

115,154,000 (copper-plated steel) 1999

195,490,000

353,816,000

891,392,000

2000

134,733,000

388,512,000

536,659,000

1,060,420,000

2001

129,281,000

337,930,000

551,880,000

928,698,000

2002

80,934,000

219,258,000

168,556,000

601,446,000

2003

88,118,000

333,230,000

260,225,000

539,436,000

2004

99,602,000

271,810,000

356,396,000

739,764,000

2005

69,604,000

236,212,000

280,396,000

536,318,000

2006

118,803,000

317,697,000

170,637,000

524,605,000

2007

72,720,000

246,720,000

254,500,000

548,002,000

2008

9,720,000 (Ironside)

92,880,000 (Ironside)

10,600,000 (Ironside)

180,600,000 (Ironside)

71,447,000 (Dent)

165,172,000 (Dent)

241,679,000 (Dent)

507,952,000 (Dent)

2009

84,360,000

132,960,300

150,500,500

556,412,800

2010

96,600,500

396,245,500

99,600,000

609,603,000

2011

59,603,850

50,400,000

144,300,000

431,004,000

2012

11,600,030

339,802,350

67,800,000

227,201,000

2013

320,200,750

378,800,750

40,600,000

260,800,000

2014

490,202,020

885,004,520

247,600,020

464,801,520

2015

119,000,000 (4th Portrait)

163,000,000 (4th Portrait)

85,900,000 (4th Portrait)

154,600,000 (4th Portrait)

139,200,000 (5th Portrait)

418,201,016 (5th Portrait)

91,900,000 (5th Portrait)

536,600,000 (5th Portrait)

From 1971 to 1991, 1p and 2p coins intended for general circulation were struck in bronze.

Since 1992 they have been struck in copper-plated steel, apart from in 1998 when 2p coins were produced in bronze as well as in copper-plated steel Updated and revised, June 2016.

The 'Sporting' 50p series 2011

Aquatics

2,179,000

Archery

3,345,500

Athletics

2,224,000

Badminton

2,133,500

Basketball

1,748,000

Boccia

2,166,000

Boxing

2,148,500

Canoeing

2,166,500

Cycling

2,090,500

Equestrian

2,142,500

Fencing

2,115,500

Football

1,125,500

Goalball

1,615,500

Gymnastics

1,720,813

Handball

1,676,500

Hockey

1,773,500

Judo

1,161,500

Modern Pentathlon

1,689,500

Rowing

1,717,300

Sailing

1,749,500

Shooting

1,656,500

Table tennis

1,737,500

Taekwondo

1,664,000

Tennis

1,454,000

Triathlon

1,163,500

Volleyball

2,133,500

Weightlifting

1,879,500

Wheelchair Rugby

1,765,500

Wrestling

1,129,500

Coin Designs and Specifications Discover the art and craft of coin design through the coins in circulation today. Learn what makes a coin legal tender and the process each design goes through before receiving Royal proclamation.

View the designs and specifications for each of the UK coins in current and previous years:

One Penny Coin

Two Pence Coin

Five Pence Coin

Ten Pence Coin

Twenty Pence Coin

Fifty Pence Coin

One Pound Coin

Two Pound Coin

Five Pound Coin

United Kingdom ÂŁ5 Coin (Commemorative Crown) First Issued

4 August 1990 (previously crowns had a face value of 25 pence)

Specifications Diameter

38.61mm

Weight

28.28g

Thickness

2.89mm

Composition

Cupro-nickel ( 75% copper, 25% nickel) Collector versions have been struck in precious metals

Obverse Designers

Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen 1990-1997 - Raphael Maklouf 1998-2015 - Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS 2015 to date - Jody Clark

Reverse Designers

See Table Below

Edge

Milled

Background Information

These coins, as the name suggests, are issued to commemorate special occasions of national importance usually, but not exclusively, Royal in theme. They are intended to be souvenirs rather than ordinary circulation coins and are consequently seldom found in everyday circulation.

Traditionally crowns had a face value of 25p (or 5 shillings prior to decimalisation in February 1971). In 1990 the face value was increased to ÂŁ5 to give the coin a value consistent with its weight and size in relation to those of the then current range of coins.

Each crown issue is authorised by Royal Proclamation in accordance with the requirements laid down by the Coinage Act 1971. This means that in common with other coins in general circulation, a crown has legal tender status.

Most people would not wish to exchange a crown piece, but in recognition of the fact that some people may wish to do so, some banks will allow crowns to be deposited into bank accounts. However, please note that whilst the coins are legal tender, banks are not obliged to accept the coins (please refer to guidelines on legal tender status ). Policies on accepting crowns do vary, therefore it is advisable to check with your bank in advance.

Alternatively, crowns can be exchanged for goods or services at Main Post Office branches throughout the UK. For further assistance please contact the Post Office Helpdesk on 08457 223344.

Coin Image

Year of Issue

Denomination

Designers

Theme/Design/Designer Information

1953

Five Shillings

Obverse designer: Gilbert Ledward

The Queen's Coronation

Reverse designer: Cecil Thomas/Edgar Fuller

The four quarterings of the Royal Arms each contained in a shield and arranged in saltire with, in the intervening spaces, a rose, a thistle, a sprig of shamrock and a leek; in the centre the Crown and in the base the date of the year, 1953.

Edge inscription: FAITH AND TRUTH I WILL BEAR UNTO YOU

1960

Five Shillings

Obverse designer: Mary Gillick Reverse designer: Cecil Thomas/ Edgar Fuller

New York Exhibition The four quarterings of the Royal Arms each contained in a shield and arranged in saltire with, in the intervening spaces, a rose, a thistle, a sprig of shamrock and a leek; in the centre the Crown and in the base the date of the year, 1960.

1965

1972

1977

1980

1981

1990

Five Shillings

25p

25p

25p

25p

ÂŁ5

Obverse designer: Mary Gillick

Winston Churchill Memorial

Reverse designer: Oscar Nenom

Portrait of Sir Winston Churchill and the word CHURCHILL

Obverse designer: Arnold Machin

The Queen & Prince Philip's Silver Wedding

Reverse designer: Arnold Machin

The initials EP on a background of foliage, figure of Eros above the royal crown

Obverse designer: Arnold Machin

The Queen's Silver Jubilee

Reverse designer: Arnold Machin

The Ampulla and Anointing Spoon encircled by a floral border and above a royal crown

Obverse designer: Arnold Machin

The Queen Mother's 80th Birthday

Reverse designer: Richard Guyatt

In the centre a portrait of the Queen Mother surrounded by bows and lions with the inscription QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER 4 AUGUST 1980

Obverse designer: Arnold Machin

Prince Charles & Lady Diana's Wedding

Reverse designer: Philip Nathan

Portrait of The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer with the inscription HRH the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer 1981

Obverse designer: Raphael Maklouf

The Queen Mother's 90th Birthday

Reverse designer: Leslie Durbin

A cypher in the letter E in duplicate, above a royal crown flanked by a rose and a thistle all within the inscription QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER and the dates 19001990

1993

1996

£5

£5

Obverse designer: Raphael Maklouf

The Queen's Coronation 40th Anniversary

Reverse designer: Robert Elderton

St Edward's Crown encircled by forty trumpets all within the inscription FAITH AND TRUTH I WILL BEAR UNTO YOU and the anniversary dates 1953-1993

Obverse designer: Raphael Maklouf

The Queen's 70th Birthday

Reverse designer: Avril Vaughan

1997

1998

£5

£5

Obverse designer: Philip Nathan

The Queen and Prince Philip's 50th Golden Wedding

Reverse designer: Leslie Durbin

A pair of Shields, chevronwise, on the left, Shield of Our Royal Arms, on the right, Shield of Prince Philip, above a Royal Crown and the date 20 NOVEMBER, below an anchor cabled and FIVE POUNDS

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

Prince Charles' 50th Birthday

Reverse designer: Michael Noakes/Robert Elderton

1999

£5

A representation of Windsor Castle with five flag poles, two holding forked pennants with anniversary dates of 1926 and 1996, the other flags are Royal Arms, Union flag and Our Personal flag

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Reverse designer: David Cornell

A portrait of Prince Charles and in the background words relating to the work of The Prince's Trust. A circumscription of FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY OF HRH PRINCE OF WALES and below FIVE POUNDS flanked by anniversary dates of 1948 and 1998

Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Crown A portrait of Diana, Princess of Wales with the dates 1961 and 1997, circumscription IN MEMORY OF DIANA PRINCESS OF WALES and the value FIVE POUNDS

19992000

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Reverse designer: Jeffrey Matthews

Millennium Crown A representation of a dial of a clock, hands set at 12 o'clock with a map of the British Isles and the dates 1999 and 2000 and the words ANNO DOMINI and the value FIVE POUNDS Edge inscription: WHAT'S PAST IS PROLOGUE

2000

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Reverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

2001

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Reverse designer: Mary MilnerDickens

2002

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

The Queen Mother's 100th Birthday A portrait of the Queen Mother,flanked by groups of people with the circumscription QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER, the anniversary dates 1900-2000.

Below the portrait a representation of her signature.

Death of Queen Victoria 100th anniversary A representation of Crystal Palace within the value FIVE POUNDS, stylised railway lines in the shape of a V incorporating a portrait of Queen Victoria, remnant of the words ONE PENNY and anniversary dates of 1901 and 2001

The Queen's Golden Jubilee A portrait of the Queen with the value FIVE POUNDS below

Reverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

2002

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Reverse designer: Avril Vaughan

Queen Mother Memorial Crown A portrait of the Queen Mother encircled by a wreath and with the circumscription QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER and the dates 19002002 Edge inscription: STRENGTH DIGNITY LAUGHTER

2003

2004

2005

£5

£5

£5

Obverse designer: Tom Phillips

The Queen's Coronation 50th Anniversary

Reverse designer: Tom Phillips

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN in the centre surrounded by the words CORONATION JUBILEE FIVE POUNDS and the anniversary date 2003

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

Entente Cordiale between Great Britain and France 100th Anniversary

Reverse designer: David Gentleman

Combined figures of Britannia and Marianne, with the words ENTENTE CORDIALE and the anniversary dates 1904 and 2004

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar

Reverse designer: Clive Duncan

2005

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Reverse designer: James Butler

2006

2007

£5

£5

Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

Design features HMS Victory & Termeraire in battle surrounded by inscription TRAFALGAR and the dates 1805 & 2005

200th anniversary of the death of Horatio Nelson A portrait of Horatio Nelson and the dates 1805 & 2005 Edge Inscription: ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERYMAN TO DO HIS DUTY

The Queen's 80th Birthday

Reverse Designer: Danuta SolowiejWedderburn

Three trumpets with trumpet banners accompanied by the inscription '1926 VIVAT REGINA 2006' Edge inscription: DUTY SERVICE FAITH

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

Diamond Wedding Anniversary of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh

Reverse designer: Emma Noble

The rose window of Westminster Abbey accompanied by the inscription "TVEATVR VNITA DEVS", the dates "1947" and "2007", and the denomination "FIVE POUNDS".

Edge Inscription: MY

STRENGTH AND STAY

2008

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

450th Anniversary of the Accession of Queen Elizabeth I

Reverse designer: Rod Kelly

A portrait of Queen Elizabeth I crowned and set within a mandorla. A rose has been placed at each connecting point while the two side arches each contain a leaf pattern reminiscent of the carvings made by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. The year of her accession and the year of the anniversary are both shown in Roman numerals.

Edge Inscription: I HAVE REIGNED WITH YOUR LOVES

2008

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Reverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

2009

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

Prince Charles' 60th Birthday A portrait of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales Edge Inscription: SIXTIETH BIRTHDAY

500th anniversary of the accession of Henry VIII

Reverse designer: John Bergdahl

2010

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

350th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Monarchy

Reverse designer: David Cornell

2011

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Reverse designer: Mark Richards FRBS

90th Birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh

2011

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

Royal Wedding

Reverse designer: Mark Richards FRBS

2012

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

Diamond Jubilee

Reverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS 2013

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

60th Anniversary of the Queen's Coronation

Reverse designer: Emma Noble 2013

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

The Christening of Prince George of Cambridge

Reverse designer: John Bergdahl 2014

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

The 300th Anniversary of the Death of Queen Anne

Reverse designer: Mark Richards FRBS 2015

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Reverse designer: Mark Richards FRBS

2015

£5

Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Reverse designer: David Lawrence

The 50th Anniversary of the Death of Sir Winston Churchill View products that feature this coin

200th Anniversary of Waterloo View products that feature this coin

2015

£5

Obverse designer: Jody Clark Reverse designer: John Bergdahl

2016

£5

Obverse designer: Jody Clark Reverse designer: Christopher Hobbs

Princess Charlotte Christening View products that feature this coin

The Queen’s 90th Birthday View products that feature this coin

United Kingdom £2 Coin Specifications First Issued

15 June 1998

Diameter

28.4mm

Weight

12.0g

Thickness

2.50mm

Composition

Outer: Nickel-Brass (76% copper, 4% nickel, 20% zinc) Inner: Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)

Obverse Designers

Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen 1997 - Raphael Maklouf 1998 to 2015 - Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS 2015 to date - Jody Clark

Reverse Designers

See table below

Edge

Milled

United Kingdom £2 Coin Reverse Designs Coin Image

Year of

Edge Inscription

Designer Information

Issue 1997 2015

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

History of Technological Achievement Design in four concentric circles depicts mankind's industrial and technological progress from the Iron Age to the Internet designed by Bruce Rushin

2015 present

QUATUOR MARIA VINDICO

Britannia Antony Dufort’s stunning interpretation of Britannia is respectful of times past, but recasts her for a brand new era; timeless, symbolic, stirring and inspirational.

1999

Rugby World Cup 1999

Rugby World Cup Design depicts a stadium, on which is superimposed a rugby ball and goalpost.

The date '1999' above separated by goal-posts from the value 'TWO POUNDS' below designed by Ron Dutton

2001

WIRELESS BRIDGES THE ATLANTIC...MARCONI 1901...

100th Anniversary of Marconi's 1st Wireless Transmission across the Atlantic Radio waves decorating centre and outer border while a spark of electricity linking the zeros of the date represents the generation of the signal designed by Robert Evans

2002

SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP,MANCHESTER 2002

XVII Commonwealth Games in Manchester Stylised figure of an athlete holding a banner and the inscription XVII Commonwealth Games 2002 designed

by Matthew Bonaccorsi

2003

DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID

50th Anniversary of the discovery of DNA A representation of the double helical structure of DNA with the words DNA Double Helix above and 'TWO POUNDS' and the dates '1953-2003' below designed by John Mills

2004

Is milled with an incuse railway line motif.

200th Anniversary of the first steam locomotive by Richard Trevithick A representation of a steam locomotive engine with the words 'TWO POUNDS' above and inside a cog wheel, the words

R.TREVITHICK 1804 INVENTION INDUSTRY PROGRESS 2004 as a circumscription designed by Robert Lowe 2005

REMEMBER REMEMBER FIFTH OF NOVEMBER

400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot An arrangement of crossiers, maces and swords surrounded by stars and the dates 1605 & 2005. Denomination TWO POUNDS below. Designed by Peter Forster

2005

In Victory Magnanimity in Peace Goodwill

Design depicts St Paul's Cathedral illuminated by searchlights and the value 'TWO POUNDS' sbove and the dates 1945-2005 below. Designed by Bob Elderton

2006

SO MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE

Design Depiction of a section of the roof of Paddington Station with the dates 2006 above and the name BRUNEL to the right and the denomination TWO POUNDS below Designed by Robert Evans

2006

1806-1859 ISAMBARD KINGDOM BRUNEL ENGINEER

Design A portrait of Isambard Kingdom Brunel with two of his engineering achievments, encircled by a chain with the denomination TWO POUNDS above and the date 2006 below Designed by Rod Kelly

2007

UNITED INTO ONE KINGDOM

Tercentenary of the Act of Union between England and Scotland A design dividing the coin into four quarters, with a rose and a thistle occupying two of the quarters and a portcullis in each of the other two quarters. The whole design is overlaid with a linking jigsaw motif and surrounded by the dates "1707" and "2007", and the denomination "TWO POUNDS" Designed by Yvonne Holton

2007

AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade in the British Empire The date "1807" with the "0" depicted as a broken chain link, surrounded by the inscription "AN ACT FOR THE ABOLITION OF THE SLAVE TRADE" and the date "2007" Designed by David Gentleman

2008

I CALL UPON THE YOUTH OF THE WORLD

Olympic Handover Ceremony Designed by The Royal Mint Engraving Team

2008

THE 4TH OLYMPIAD LONDON

The Centenary of the London Olympic Games of 1908 Designed by Thomas T Docherty

2009

SHOULD AULD ACQUAINTANCE BE 250th Anniversary of the birth of Robert FORGOT Burns Designed by The Royal Mint Engraving Team

2009

ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES 1859

200th Anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth Designed by Suzie Zamit

2010

150 YEARS OF NURSING

100th Anniversary of the death of Florence Nightingale Designed by Gordon Summers

2011

THE AUTHORISED VERSION

400th Anniversary of the King James Bible Designed by Paul Stafford & Benjamin Wright

2011

YOUR NOBLEST SHIPPE 1511

500th Anniversary of the maiden voyage of the Mary Rose Designed by John Bergdahl

2012

SOMETHING WILL TURN UP

200th Anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens Designed by Matthew Dent

2012

I CALL UPON THE YOUTH OF THE WORLD

The London 2012 Handover to Rio Designed by Jonathan Olliffe

2013

Linear representation of the Tube map

London Underground 150th Anniversary - The Train Designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby

2013

MIND THE GAP

London Underground 150th Anniversary - The Roundel Designed by Edwina Ellis

2013

WHAT IS A GUINEA? ‘TIS A SPLENDID THING

The 350th Anniversary of the Guinea Designed by Anthony Smith ARBS

2014

THE LAMPS ARE GOING OUT ALL OVER EUROPE

The 100th Anniversary of the First World War – Outbreak Designed by John Bergdahl

2014

SERVING THE MARINER

The 500th Anniversary of Trinity House Designed by Joe Whitlock Blundell with David Eccles

2015

FOUNDATION OF LIBERTY

800th Anniversary of Magna Carta Designed by John Bergdahl

2015

THE SURE SHIELD OF BRITAIN

The 100th Anniversary of the First World War - The Royal Navy Designed by David Rowlands View products that feature this coin

2016

THE WHOLE CITY IN DREADFUL FLAMES

350th Anniversary of the Great Fire of London Designed by Aaron West View products that feature this coin

2016

FOR KING AND COUNTRY

The 100th Anniversary of the First World War - Army Designed by Tim Sharp View products that feature this coin

2016

The Hollow Crown

The Shakespeare Histories 2016 Designed by John Bergdahl View products that feature this coin

2016

All the Worlds a Stage

The Shakespeare Comedies Designed by John Bergdahl View products that feature this coin

2016

What a piece of work is a man

The Shakespeare Tragedies Designed by John Bergdahl View products that feature this coin

The introduction of the bi-colour £2 coin After a review of the United Kingdom coinage in 1994, it emerged that there was a requirement for a general circulation £2 coin. A consultation process took place with the vending machine industry, members of the public and special interest groups such as the RNIB and Age Concern. The consensus of opinion from the consultation favoured a bi-colour coin because it would be easily distinguishable from the other coins in circulation.

A new design was required for the reverse and it was decided to proceed by way of a competition open to members of the general public. The winning artist, Bruce Rushin, an art teacher from Norfolk, based his design on a series of concentric circles telling the story, through symbolic devices, of technological development from the Iron Age to the Industrial Revolution and from the Computer Age to the Internet.

An appropriate Edge Inscription had to be chosen before the recommended design could be submitted to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and then to the Queen for approval. The words that were eventually chosen were taken from a letter written in 1676 by Isaac Newton to his fellow scientist Robert Hooke, acknowledging the debt he owed to others, 'if I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants' Originally the intention was to issue the £2 coin in November 1997 and millions of coins were struck with the Raphael Maklouf portrait of the Queen on the obverse in readiness for launch. Concerns, however, emerged from the vending industry prior to the issue date.

Production was placed on hold whilst further tests were carried out and resumed in 1998, featuring the new portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley on the obverse.

The £2 coin was eventually launched on 15 June 1998, when millions of both versions of the coin were released. Because of the two different portraits, however, many confusing stories have arisen. The most common misconception is that the £2 coin bearing the Raphael Maklouf portrait of the Queen in which she is wearing a necklace, was made in very modest numbers, Since millions of these coins were minted this is simply not the case.

The £2 coin is legal tender for any amount.

The first £2 coins The first base metal £2 coin was issued in the United Kingdom in 1986 to commemorate the Thirteenth Commonwealth Games which that year were held in Scotland. Commemorative £2 coins continued to be issued in single colour nickel-brass for special occasions.

Coin Image

Year of Issue 1986

Edge Inscription XIII COMMONWEALTH GAMES JULY 1986

Designer Information XIII Commonwealth Games Cross of St Andrew, crown of laurel leaves and Scottish Thistle designed by Norman Sillman

1989

Milled

Tercentenary of the Bill of Rights and Claim of Right Cypher of 'W&M' (King William and Queen Mary) interlaced surmounting a horizontal Parliamentary Mace and representation of the Royal Crown above and the dates 1689 and 1989 below, all within the inscription 'Tercentenary of the Bill of Rights' or 'Tercentenary of Claim of Right' (latter Scotland only) designed by John Lobban

1994

1995

SIC VOS NON VOBIS (thus you labour but not for yourselves)

Tercentenary of the Bank of England The Bank's Corporate Seal including the Crown and Cypher of King William and Queen Mary and the dates 1694 ? 1994 designed by Leslie Durbin

1945 IN PEACE GOODWILL 50th Anniversary of the end of The Second 1995 World War A stylised representation of a Dove as the symbol of peace designed by John Mills

1995

Milled

50th Anniversary of the founding of the United Nations 50th anniversary symbol of United Nations and a fanning pattern of flags with the inscription NATIONS UNITED FOR PEACE above and the dates '1945-1995' below designed by Michael Rizzello

1996

TENTH EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

10th European Football Championship A stylised representation of a football, with the date of 1996 centrally placed and encircled by sixteen small rings designed by John Mills

The United Kingdom £1 Coin For information on the newly announced redesign, visit our press release about the new £1 coin design here.

Issue Date

21 April 1983

Specifications Diameter

22.5mm

Weight

9.5 g

Thickness

3.15mm

Composition

Nickel-Brass (70% copper, 5.5% nickel, 24.5% zinc)

Obverse Designers

Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen 1983-1984 Arnold Machin 1985- 1997 Raphael Maklouf 1998-2015 Ian Rank-Broadley 2015 to date Jody Clark

Reverse Designers

See table below

Edge

Milled

Background The United Kingdom coinage is kept under constant review. By 1980 it had become apparent that with the general decline in purchasing power, the £1 unit of currency was more appropriate to a coin than a banknote. The note was in constant use on average

lasting only nine months, whereas a coin can last as long as forty years or more and with the growth in the vending industry it was felt that a coin would be more useful.

After consultation with many groups including retailers and special interest groups, the Government announced on 31 July 1981 that a new £1 coin that was to be issued on 21 April 1983.

To make it easy to identify, the £1 coin is thicker than other coins while the 'yellow' colour allowed it to stand out from the cupro-nickel 'silver' coins already in circulation. The weight of the coin was decided largely on the grounds of cost and the need to allow for higher denomination coins in due course.

The reverse designs represent the United Kingdom and its four constituent parts - Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. The first series of designs took floral emblems as its theme, while the second series was heraldic in approach The £1 coin is legal tender for any amount.

Coin Image

Year of Issue 1983 1993 1998 2003 2008

Design/Designer Information Royal Arms representing the United Kingdom Edge Inscription: DECUS ET TUTAMEN Designed by: Eric Sewell

1984 1989

Thistle and royal diadem representing Scotland.

Edge Inscription: NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT Designed by: Leslie Durbin

1985 1990

Leek and royal diadem representing Wales.

Edge Inscription: PLEIDIOL WYF I'M GWLAD Designed by: Leslie Durbin

1986 1991

Flax Plant and royal diadem representing Northern Ireland.

Edge Inscription: DECUS ET TUTAMEN Designed by:

Leslie Durbin

1987 1992

Oak Tree and royal diadem representing England.

Edge Inscription: DECUS ET TUTAMEN Designed by: Leslie Durbin

1988

Shield of the Royal Arms representing the United Kingdom.

Edge Inscription: DECUS ET TUTAMEN Designed by: Derek Gorringe

1994 1999

Lion Rampant representing Scotland.

Edge Inscription: NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT Designed by: Norman Sillman

1995 2000

Dragon passant representing Wales designed by Norman Sillman Edge Inscription: PLEIDIOL WYF I'M GWLAD Designed by: Norman Sillman

1996 2001

A Celtic Cross with a Pimpernel Flower in the centre surrounded by an ancient Torc representing Northern Ireland.

Edge Inscription: DECUS ET TUTAMEN Designed by: Norman Sillman

1997 2002

Three Lions passant guardant representing England.

Edge Inscription: DECUS ET TUTAMEN Designed by:

Norman Sillman

2004

A representation of the Forth Railway Bridge inside a border of railway tracks.

Edge Detail: Decorative pattern symbolising bridges and pathways Designed by: Edwina Ellis

2005

A representation of the Menai Bridge inside a border of railings and stanchions.

Edge Detail: Decorative pattern symbolising bridges and pathways Designed by: Edwina Ellis

2006

A representation of the Egyptian Arch Railway Bridge inside a border of railway station canopy dags.

Edge Detail: Decorative pattern symbolising bridges and pathways Designed by: Edwina Ellis

2007

A representation of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge with a border of struts.

Edge Detail: Decorative pattern symbolising bridges and pathways Designed by: Edwina Ellis

2008present

Shield of the Royal Arms representing the United Kingdom.

Edge Inscription: DECUS ET TUTAMEN Designed by: Matthew Dent

2010

A depiction of the official badges of the capital cities of the United Kingdom, with the badge of Belfast being the principal focus.

Edge Inscription: PRO TANTO QUID RETRIBUAMUS Designed by: Stuart Devlin

2010

A depiction of the official badges of the capital cities of the United Kingdom, with the badge of London being the principal focus.

Edge Inscription: DOMINE DIRIGE NOS Designed by: Stuart Devlin

2011

A depiction of the official badges of the capital cities of the United Kingdom, with the badge of Cardiff being the principal focus.

Edge Inscription: Y DDRAIG GOCH DDYRY CYCHWYN Designed by: Stuart Devlin

2011

A depiction of the official badges of the capital cities of the United Kingdom, with the badge of Edinburgh being the principal focus.

Edge Inscription: NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA Designed by: Stuart Devlin

2013

A depiction of the floral emblem of England Edge Inscription: DECUS ET TUTAMEN Designed by: Timothy Noad

2013

A depiction of the floral emblem of Wales Edge Inscription: PLEIDIOL WYF I’M GWLAD Designed by: Timothy Noad

2014

A depiction of the floral emblem of N Ireland Edge Inscription: DECUS ET TUTAMEN Designed by: Timothy Noad

2014

A depiction of the floral emblem of Scotland Edge Inscription: NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT Designed by: Timothy Noad

2015

A depiction of The Royal Arms Edge Inscription: DECUS ET TUTAMEN Designed by: Timothy Noad

2016

The Last Round Pound Designed by: Gregory Cameron View products that feature this coin

Coin Edge Inscriptions Edge Inscription

Translation

DECUS ET TUTAMEN

'An ornament and a safeguard' from Virgil's Aeneid

NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT

'No one provokes me with impunity'. The Motto of the Order of the Thistle

PLEIDIOL WYF I'M GWLAD

'True am I to my country' from the Welsh National Anthem

PRO TANTO QUID RETRIBUAMUS

'What shall we give in return for so much.' The Motto of Belfast

DOMINE DIRIGE NOS

'Lord direct us.' The Motto of London

Y DDRAIG GOCH DDYRY CYCHWYN

‘The Red Dragon shall lead’ The Motto of Cardiff

NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA

‘It is vain without the Lord’ The Motto of Edinburgh

Fifty Pence Coin First Issued

Smaller version introduced September 1997 (Larger version introduced October 1969, demonetised in 1998)

Specifications (Since 1997) Diameter

27.3mm

Weight

8.0g

Thickness

1.78mm

Composition

Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)

Obverse Designers

Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen 1985-1997 - Raphael Maklouf 1998-2015 - Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS 2015 to date - Jody Clark

Reverse Designers

See table below

Edge

Plain

Background Information In October 1969 the 50p joined the 5p (shilling) and 10p (florin) coins in circulation, leaving only the three copper coins to be introduced on 15 February 1971 to complete the new series of decimal coins. The design on the reverse of the 50p coin features a symbol of Britannia that has appeared on our coinage since 1672. While this design may have been traditional, the shape of the new 50p coin, an equilateral curve heptagon, was revolutionary. This made it easily distinguishable from round coins both by feel and by sight, while its constant breadth allowed it to roll in vending machines.

With the introduction of smaller 5p and 10p coins in 1990 and 1992 respectively, the 50p became the largest coin in circulation. In October 1994 the Government announced a further review of the United Kingdom coinage. The results revealed a requirement for a smaller 50p coin, which was duly introduced on 1 September 1997.

Since its issue the 50p has been used on several occasions to celebrate important events, each being commemorated by a new reverse design.

The 50p is legal tender for amounts up to £10.

Coin Image

Year of Issue 19691982

Design / Designer Information

Britannia A figure of Britannia, seated beside a lion, with a shield resting against her right side,holding a trident in her right hand and an olive branch in her left hand, with the figure "50" below and the inscription "NEW PENCE" above Designed by Christopher Ironside

19822008

Britannia - revised inscription A figure of Britannia, seated beside a lion, with a shield resting against her rightside,holding a trident in her right hand and an olive branch in her left hand, with the figure "50" below and the inscription "FIFTY PENCE" above Designed by Christopher Ironside

2008 -12

A section of the Royal Arms showing elements of the third and fourth quarterings Designed by Matthew Dent

1973

United Kingdom'saccession to the European Economic Community The inscription "50 PENCE" and the date of the year, surrounded by nine hands, symbolising the nine members of the Community, clasping one another in a mutual gesture of trust, assistance and friendship Designed by David Wynne

199293

United Kingdom's Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the completion of the Single European Market A representation of a table on which are placed twelve stars, linked by a network of lines to each other and also to twelve chairs around the table, on one of which appear the letters "UK", andwith the dates "1992" and "1993" above and the value "50 PENCE" below Designed by Mary Milner Dickens

1994

50th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings A design representing the Allied invasion force heading for Normandy andfilling the sea and sky, together with the value "50 PENCE" Designed by John Mills

1998

United Kingdom's Presidency of the European Union, and the 25th Anniversary of the United Kingdom's accession to the European Economic Community A celebratoryarrangement of stars with the letters "EU" between theAnniversary dates "1973" and "1998", and the value 50 PENCE below Designed by John Mills

1998

50th Anniversary of the National Health Service

A pair of hands set against a pattern of radiating lines with the words "FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY" and the value "50 PENCE",accompanied by the initials "NHS" which appear five times on the outer border Designed by David Cornell 2000

150th Anniversary of the Public Libraries Act The turning pages of a book, the Anniversary dates "1850" and "2000", and the value "50 PENCE", all above a classical library building on which appear the words "PUBLIC LIBRARIES" and,withinthe pediment, representations of compact discs Designed by Mary Milner Dickens

2003

100th Anniversary of the formation of the Women's Social and Political Union The figure of a suffragette chained to railings andholding a banner on which appear the lettersWSPU, to the right a ballot paper marked with a cross and the words GIVE WOMEN THE VOTE, to the left the value 50 PENCE, and below and to thefar right the Anniversary dates 1903 and 2003 Designed by Mary Milner Dickens

2004

50th Anniversary of the first four-minute mile by Roger Bannister The legs of a running athlete with a stylised stopwatch in the background and the value 50 PENCE below Designed by James Butler

2005

250th Anniversary of Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language Entries from the Dictionary for the words FIFTYand PENCE, with the figure50 above, and the inscription JOHNSON'S DICTIONARY 1755 below Designed by Tom Phillips

2006

150th Anniversary of the institution of the Victoria Cross Depiction of the obverse and reverse of a Victoria Cross with the date 29 JAN 1856 in the centre of the reverse of the Cross, the letters VC to the right and the value FIFTY PENCE below Designed by Claire Aldridge

2006

150th Anniversary of the institution of the Victoria Cross Depiction of a soldier carrying a wounded comrade with an outline of the Victoria Cross surrounded by a sunburst effect in the background Designed by Clive Duncan

2007

Centenary of the Foundation of the Scouting Movement A fleur-de-lis superimposed over a globe and surrounded by the inscription "BE PREPARED", the dates "1907" and "2007", and the denomination "FIFTY PENCE".

Designed by Kerry Jones

2009

250th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Botanic Gardens A design showing the pagoda encircled by a vine and accompanied by the dates “1759” and “2009”, with the word “KEW” at the base of the pagoda Designed by Christopher Le Brun

2010

Celebrating 100 Years of Girlguiding UK Designed by Jonathan Evans and Donna Hainan

2011

Celebrating 50 years of the work of WWF Designed by Matthew Dent

2013

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Christopher Ironside Designed by Christopher Ironside

2013

The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Benjamin Britten Designed by Tom Phillips CBE RA

2014

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Designed by Alex Loudon with Dan Flashman

2015

75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Designed by Gary Breeze View products that feature this coin

2016

Team GB Designed by Tim Sharp View products that feature this coin

2016

Battle of Hastings Designed by John Bergdahl View products that feature this coin

2016

Beatrix Potter Anniversary Designed by Emma Noble View products that feature this coin

2016

Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit Designed by Emma Noble View products that feature this coin

2016

Beatrix Potter Jemima Puddle-Duck Designed by Emma Noble View products that feature this coin

2016

Beatrix Potter Tiggy-Winkle Designed by Emma Noble View products that feature this coin

2016

Beatrix Potter Squirrel Nutkin Designed by Emma Noble View products that feature this coin

London 2012 50p's Year

Design

2011

Aquatics A swimmer submerged in water, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Jonathan Olliffe

2011

Archery A bow being drawn, with the London 2012 Paralympic logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Piotr Powaga

2009

Athletics An athlete clearing a high jump bar, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Florence Jackson

2011

Badminton A shuttlecock and a diagram of badminton actions, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Emma Kelly

2011

Basketball Basketball players against the textured background of a large basketball, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Sarah Payne

2011

Boccia A boccia player in a wheelchair throwing a ball, with the London 2012 Paralympic logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Justin Chung

2011

Boxing A pair of boxing gloves against the background of a boxing ring, with1 the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Shane Abery

2011

Canoeing A figure in a canoe on a slalom course, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Timothy Lees

2011

Cycling A cyclist in a velodrome, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Theo Crutchley-Mack

2011

Equestrian A horse and rider jumping over a fence, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Thomas Babbage

2011

Fencing Two figures fencing, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Ruth Summerfield

2011

Football A diagrammatic explanation of the offside rule in football, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Neil Wolfson

2011

Goalball A goalball player throwing a ball, with the London 2012 Paralympic logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Jonathan Wren

2011

Gymnastics A gymnast with a ribbon, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Jonathan Olliffe

2011

Handball A handball player throwing a ball against the background of a handball court, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Natasha Ratcliffe

2011

Hockey Two hockey players challenging for the ball, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Robert Evans

2011

Judo A judo throw, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: David Cornell

2011

Modern Pentathlon A montage of the five sports which form the modern pentathlon, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Daniel Brittain

2011

Rowing A rowing boat accompanied by a number of words associated with the Olympic movement, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Davey Podmore

2011

Sailing Three sailing boats accompanied by a map of the coast of Weymouth, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Bruce Rushin

2011

Shooting A figure shooting, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Pravin Dewdhory

2011

Table Tennis Two table tennis bats against the background of a table and net, with the London 2012 Paralympic logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Alan Linsdell

2011

Taekwondo Two athletes engaged in Taekwondo, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: David Gibbons

2011

Tennis A tennis net and a tennis ball, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Tracy Baines

2011

Triathlon A montage of the three sports which form the triathlon, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Sarah Harvey

2011

Volleyball Three figures playing beach volleyball, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Daniela Boothman

2011

Weightlifting The outline of a weightlifter starting a lift, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Rob Shakespeare

2011

Wheelchair Rugby A wheelchair rugby player in action, with the London 2012 Paralympic logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Natasha Ratcliffe

2011

Wrestling Two figures wrestling in a stadium, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below.

Designed by: Roderick Enriquez

Twenty Pence Coin First Issued

9 June 1982

Specifications Diameter

21.4mm

Weight

5.0g

Thickness

1.7mm

Composition

Cupro-nickel (84% copper,16% nickel)

Obverse Designers

Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen 1982-1984 Arnold Machin 1985- 1997 Raphael Maklouf 1998-2015 - Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS 2015 to date - Jody Clark

Reverse Designers

1982-2008 - William Gardener 2008 - Matthew Dent

Edge

Plain

Mintage

66,325,000*

Background Information By the end of the 1970's it had become apparent that the new decimal coinage was in need of change because it was widely regarded as much too heavy. After a review of the coinage, it was proposed that the introduction of a 20p piece would substantially reduce the weight of coins in the system by decreasing the number of 10p coins in use.

To help identification and avoid confusion with similar sized coins the 20p is seven sided and like the 50p an equilateral curve heptagon. The shape, with its constant rolling diameter, means that it is readily acceptable in vending machines.

The 20p coin is legal tender for amounts up to ÂŁ10. *Mintage figure based on UK decimal coins issued into general circulation during from 01/04/13 to 31/03/14

Ten Pence Coin First Issued

Smaller version - September 1992 (Larger version introduced in 1968, demonetised in 1993)

Specifications (Since 1992) Diameter

24.5mm

Weight

6.5g

Thickness

1.85mm Nickel-plated steel (since January 2012)

Composition

Cupro-nickel (prior to January 2012) (75% copper, 25% nickel)

Obverse Designers

Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen 1992-1997 - Raphael Maklouf 1998-2015 - Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS 2015 to date - Jody Clark

Reverse Designers

1968-2008 - Christopher Ironside 2008 - Matthew Dent

Edge

Milled

Mintage

320,200,750*

Background Information With the introduction of the decimal coinage in 1971 the pre-decimal two shilling coin was redenominated as a 10p piece and these two shilling coins continued to circulate alongside the 10p coins until 1993.

After a review of the United Kingdom coinage in 1987, the Government announced its intention to issue a smaller 10p coin.

The smaller coin was issued on 30 September 1992 and as at 31 December 2005 there were an estimated 1,587 million 10p coins in circulation.

The 10p coin is legal tender for amounts up to ÂŁ5. *Mintage figure based on UK decimal coins issued into general circulation during from 01/04/13 to 31/03/14

Five Pence Coin First Issued

Smaller version - June 1990 (Larger version introduced 1968, demonetised 1990)

Specifications (Since 1990) Diameter

18.0mm

Weight

3.25g

Thickness

1.7mm Nickel-plated steel (since January 2012)

Composition

Cupro-nickel (prior to January 2012) (75% copper, 25% nickel)

Obverse Designers

Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen 1990-1997 - Raphael Maklouf 1998-2015 - Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS 2015 to date - Jody Clark

Reverse Designers

1968-2008 - Christopher Ironside 2008 - Matthew Dent

Edge

Milled

Mintage

378,800,750*

Background Information With the introduction of the decimal coinage in 1971 the pre-decimal one shilling coin was re-denominated as a 5p coin and these old shilling coins continued to circulate alongside the 5p coin until 1990.

After a review of the United Kingdom coinage in 1987, the Government announced its intention to issue a smaller 5p coin.

The 5p coin is legal tender for amounts up to ÂŁ5. *Mintage figure based on UK decimal coins issued into general circulation during from 01/04/13 to 31/03/14

Two Pence Coin First Issued

15 February 1971

Specifications Diameter

25.9mm

Weight

7.12g

Thickness

Bronze: 1.85mm Copper-plated steel: 2.03mm

Composition

Bronze (97% copper, 2.5% zinc, 0.5% tin) - until September 1992 Copper-plated steel - since September 1992, except in 1998 when the 2p was made in both alloys

Obverse Designers

Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen 1971-1984 Arnold Machin 1985-1997 - Raphael Maklouf 1998-2015 - Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS 2015 to date - Jody Clark

Reverse Designers

1971-2008 - Christopher Ironside 2008 - Matthew Dent

Edge

Plain

Mintage

40,600,000*

Background Information The United Kingdom 2p coin was introduced on the 15 February 1971 with the introduction of a new decimal currency system. The other two coins issued at this time were the 1/2p and 1p coins.

To avoid confusion between the old and new coinage all three coins had the word 'NEW' incorporated into the reverse design. This was subsequently removed in 1982.

The first copper-plated steel 2p coins were struck in 1992. The reason for this change was the increase in the price of metals on the world markets. The coins have a mild steel core and are electroplated with copper - consequently they are magnetic.

The 2p coin is legal tender for amounts up to 20p. *Mintage figure based on UK decimal coins issued into general circulation during from 01/04/13 to 31/03/14

One Penny Coin First Issued

15 February 1971

Specifications Diameter

20.3mm

Weight

3.56g

Thickness

Bronze: 1.52mm Copper-plated steel: 1.65mm

Composition

Bronze (97% copper, 2.5% zinc, 0.5% tin) - until September 1992 Copper-plated steel - since September 1992

Obverse Designers

Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen 1971-1984 Arnold Machin 1985-1997 - Raphael Maklouf 1998-2015 - Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS 2015 to date - Jody Clark

Reverse Designers

1971-2008 - Christopher Ironside 2008 - Matthew Dent

Edge

Plain

Mintage

260,800,000*

Background Information The United Kingdom 1p coin was one of three new coins introduced into general circulation on the 15 February 1971 when the United Kingdom adopted a new decimal currency system. The other two new coins were the 1/2p and 2p coins.

To avoid confusion between the old and new coinage all three coins had the word 'NEW' incorporated into the reverse design. This was later removed in 1982.

The first copper-plated steel 1p coins were struck in 1992. The reason for this change was the increase in the price of metals on the world markets. The coins have a mild steel core and are electroplated with copper - consequently they are magnetic.

The 1p coin is legal tender for amounts up to 20p. *Mintage figure based on UK decimal coins issued into general circulation during from 01/04/13 to 31/03/14

Every baby deserves a Royal welcome In a fitting gesture in keeping with an age-old tradition to mark a new birth with a gift of silver for good luck, The Royal Mint gave babies born on the same day as the future

monarch a suitably royal welcome by presenting them with a silver penny struck with the year of their birth.

Giving a silver gift to mark the arrival of a new baby is now generally considered to be a keepsake rather than a practical gift for a baby. However, throughout history, crossing the palm of a new born baby with silver or offering them a silver penny was also seen as a way to wish them wealth and good health throughout their life.