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.