Decimal Twenty Pence <<-- : -->> Decimal One Pound
Values of Decimal Fifty Pence coins
Pictures of Decimal Fifty Pence coins
Both the 20p and 50p coins are seven-sided to aid identification. The sides are not straight, but curved, with the centre of curvature being the opposite apex. This means that when used in slot machines they always appear to have exactly the same diameter regardless of the orientation of the coin when it is put in. In all of these coins except the new style 50p Dent definitive design introduced in 2008 the central apex is above the Queen's head.
The fifty pence coin originally weighed 13.5 grams and had a diameter of 30 mm.
It was introduced in 1969 to replace the ten shilling note as part of the run up towards decimalisation two years later. The ten shilling note ceased to be legal tender from 22nd November 1970.
In 1997 a new smaller version of the 50p was introduced weighing 8.00 grams and with a diameter of 27.30 mm.
Proof coins were issued in sets every year from 1971 onwards.
There are many types of the 50 pence coin as they are used for commemorative designs. A very large number of new designs have been issued in connection with the London Olympics, Beatrix Potter and Paddington Bear.
16 of the reverse designs, all dated 2009, were issued together in proof sets to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the introduction of the 50p coin.
Obv: First Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D {date}
starting top right
Rev: Britannia, 50 below, NEW PENCE above. Designed by Christopher Ironside.
Issued from 1969 to 1972, and 1974 to 1981 (1971-72 and 1974-75 in Proof only).
None of this type were issued in 1973 when only the EEC commemorative design was used.
Obv: First Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D {date}
starting top right
Rev: Britannia (modified), 50 below, FIFTY PENCE above.
Issued from 1982 to 1984 (1984 only obtainable from Mint and Proof sets)
Obv: Second Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D {date}
starting low left
Rev: Britannia, 50 below, FIFTY PENCE above
Issued from 1985 to 1993 and 1995 to 1997 (All except 1985 obtainable only
from Mint and Proof sets).
Proofs: silver in 1996 and 1997.
Obv: Second Portrait,
inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D {date} starting low left
Rev: Britannia, 50 below, FIFTY PENCE above
Issued only in 1997, but in large numbers.
Proofs: silver and silver piedfort.
Obv: Third Portrait,
inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D {date} starting low left.
Initials IRB below bust. Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: Britannia, 50 below, FIFTY PENCE above
Issued for circulation from 1998 to 2008. About 55 million 1998 50p's were issued.
50p coins of this design dated 2007 are available in proof Royal Mint sets,
but not in the Uncirculated Coin Set. This is probably because there were two
commemorative designs for 2007.
2008 Britannia type coins have been seen in circulation, but are scarce.
Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.
Proofs: silver in 2000, 2006, 2008 and 2009; gold in 2002, 2008 and 2009; platinum in 2008; gold piedfort in 2009
Obv: Third Portrait,
inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D {date}
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Central point of edge below Queen's head.
Rev: Bottom apex of the Royal Arms, FIFTY PENCE below
Issued from 2008 to 2015. 2009 to 2011 coins of this type are only available in Royal Mint sets.
Proofs in cupronickel, silver, gold, platinum, silver piedfort and gold piedfort are known for various dates.
Obv: Fourth Portrait,
inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRA REG FID DEF {date}
starting low at the top. Initials JC below bust. Central point of edge below Queen's head.
Rev: Bottom apex of the Royal Arms, FIFTY PENCE below
Issued from 2015 to 2022. 2016, 2018 and 2021 of this type are only available
in mint sets as none were minted for circulation.
Proofs in cupronickel, silver, and gold are known for various dates.
Obv: Charles III facing left, inscription CHARLES III DEI GRA REX FID DEF (date)
starting low left. Initials MJ below bust. No beading.
Coins from the 2023 sets have a crown privy mark behind the bust.
Rev: Leaping salmon, at right, 50 PENCE to left against a background of a triple C motif.
First issued from 2023. 2023 and 2024 not yet seen in circulation, but available
in mint sets.
Obv: First Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D
starting top right.
Rev: Nine clasped hands in a circle,
1973 / 50 / PENCE in the centre
Issued in 1973 only. A cased Proof version was issued which is arguably
more common than the uncirculated examples of the circulation issue. A few silver proofs on
slightly thicker than normal blanks were struck for senior EEC Finance Ministers.
Mintage 89,775,000.
Obv: Second Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRA REG F D
starting low left
Rev: Conference Table with seats and stars, 50 PENCE below, 1992 1993 above.
This was issued to celebrate the completion of the EC single market and the
British Presidency. A circulation issue was made, but in such small
quantities (109,000) that I never saw one in change. It was designed by Mary Milner Dickens.
Proofs: silver, gold and silver piedfort.
Obv: Second Portrait,
inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 1994 starting low left
Rev: An invasion force of planes and ships. 50 PENCE to right
This was issued to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of D-Day. Designed by John Mills.
Proofs: silver, gold and silver piedfort.
Mintage 6,705,520
Obv: Third Portrait,
inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D {date} starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Commemorative design marking 25th anniversary of UK's entry into
the European Community.
It looks like a firework display of 12 stars with
the inscription 1973 EU 1998 underneath, with 50 PENCE below.
Designed by John Mills.
Mintage 5,043,000
Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.
Proofs: silver in 1998 and 2009; gold in 1998 and 2009; silver piedfort in 1998; gold piedfort in 2009
Obv: Third Portrait,
inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D {date} starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Commemorative design marking 50th anniversary of the formation
of the National Health Service.
'Caring hands' holding suns rays, FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
above, 50 PENCE below, NHS repeated 5 times in the border
Mintage 5,001,000
Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.
Proofs: silver in 1998 and 2009; gold in 1998 and 2009; silver piedfort in 1998; gold piedfort in 2009
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2000
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Commemorative design marking the centenary of the Public Libraries Act of 1850.
Open book above pillared building inscribed PUBLIC LIBRARIES, 1850 2000 above, 50 PENCE to the right.
Designed by Mary Milner Dickens.
Mintage 11,263,000.
Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.
Proofs: silver in 2000 and 2009; gold in 2000 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2000; gold piedfort in 2009
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2003
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Commemorative design marking the centenary of the
Women's Social and Political Union (The Suffragettes).
Suffragette chained to railing and holding banner inscribed WSPU in her left hand. 50 PENCE to the left,
and a billboard inscribed GIVE WOMEN THE VOTE to the right, with 1903 below and 2003 to the right.
Designed by Mary Milner Dickens.
Mintage 3,124,030
Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.
Proofs: silver in 2003 and 2009; gold in 2003 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2003; gold piedfort in 2009
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2004
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Commemorative design marking the
fiftieth anniversary of the first four-minute mile by Roger Bannister.
Legs of a runner with a stopwatch showing just under four minutes. 50 PENCE below. Designed by James Butler.
Mintage 9,032,500
Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.
Proofs: silver in 2004 and 2009; gold in 2004 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2004; gold piedfort in 2009
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2005
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Commemorative design marking the
two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Samuel Johnson's first English Dictionary.
50/FI'FTY.adj/s.[FIFTIZ, Saxon.]/PENCE .n.s./plural of penny/JOHNSON'S/DICTIONARY 1755. Designed by Tom Phillips.
Mintage 17,649,000
Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.
Proofs: silver in 2005 and 2009; gold in 2005 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2005; gold piedfort in 2009
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2006
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Commemorative design marking the
one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the creation of the Victoria Cross.
Pictures of both sides of the Victoria Cross, the reverse engraved 29 JAN 1856. VC FIFTY PENCE below.
Designed by Claire Aldridge.
Mintage 12,087,000
Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.
Proofs: silver in 2006 and 2009; gold in 2006 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2006; gold piedfort in 2009
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2006
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Commemorative design marking the one hundred
and fiftieth anniversary of the creation of the Victoria Cross.
Soldier carrying wounded comrade, FIFTY PENCE below.
Designed by Clive Duncan.
Mintage 10,000,500.
Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.
Proofs: silver in 2006 and 2009; gold in 2006 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2006; gold piedfort in 2009
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2007
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Commemorative design
marking the one hundredth anniversary of the Scout Movement.
Fleur-de-Lys symbol of the Scout Movement, FIFTY PENCE above, BE PREPARED below, 1907 to the left and 2007 to the right
Designed by Kerry Jones.
Mintage 7,710,750.
Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.
Proofs: silver in 2007 and 2009; gold in 2007 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2007; gold piedfort in 2009
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D
starting low left. FIFTY PENCE below. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: The Kew Chinese Pagoda, climbing plant around, 1759 to left, 2009 to right. 'Kew' at base
Mintage is very low (210,000), making it the key 50p coin for collectors.
Proofs: silver, gold, silver piedfort, gold piedfort.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D
starting top right (to be confirmed)
Rev: Nine clasped hands in a circle,
1973 / 50 / PENCE in the centre
Only issued as proofs in cupronickel, silver, gold and gold piedfort.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D
starting low left (to be confirmed)
Rev: Conference Table with seats and stars, 50 PENCE below, 1992 1993 above.
Only issued as proofs in cupronickel, silver, gold and gold piedfort.
Obv: Third Portrait,
inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2009 starting low left (to be confirmed)
Rev: An invasion force of planes and ships. 50 PENCE to right
Only issued as proofs in cupronickel, silver, gold and gold piedfort.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D around, FIFTY PENCE below
Rev: Pattern of flora and fauna, panda and WWF in centre, 2011 below
Mintage 3,400,000.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2013 around.
Rev: Royal Arms, FIFTY PENCE above, 50 below
From a design by Christopher Ironside
Mintage 7,000,000.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D FIFTY PENCE 2013 around.
Rev: BENJAMIN BRITTEN on staves, BLOW BUGLE BLOW above, COMPOSER BORN 1913 between,
SET THE WILD ECHOES FLYING below
Designed by Tom Phillips CBE RA
Mintage 5,300,000. Not found in the Year Sets.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D above, FIFTY PENCE below.
Rev: Cyclist and athlete above the Saltire of Scotland,
XX COMMONWEALTH GAMES GLASGOW above,
2014 below
Designed by Alex Loudon with Dan Flashman
Issued in 2014. Mintage 6,500,000.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2015.
Rev: THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN, bomber fleet above, three pilots running to fighters below, 1940 under
Designed by Gary Breeze
Issued in 2015, only in Royal Mint sets struck before the new portrait came into use. Note the lack of denomination.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2015.
Rev: THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN, bomber fleet above, three pilots running to fighters below, 1940 under
Designed by Gary Breeze
Issued in 2015, but not in Royal Mint sets. Mintage 5,900,000.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D, 50 PENCE under bust.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: Saxon soldier with arrow in the eye (Harold II?), 10 to left, 66 to right,
BATTLE OF HASTINGS around, 2016 under
Designed by John Bergdahl
Issued in 2016. Mintage 6,700,000.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2016.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: BEATRIX POTTER 1866 1948, silhouette of Beatrix Potter above, Peter Rabbit below, floral motif around
Designer not yet known
Issued in 2016; not available in 2016 Royal Mint year sets. Mintage 6,900,000.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2016.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: a portrait of Peter Rabbit with the inscription PETER RABBIT above
Further details and designer not yet known
Issued in 2016; not available in 2016 Royal Mint year sets.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2016.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: a portrait of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle with the inscription MRS.TIGGY-WINKLE above
Further details and designer not yet known
Issued in 2016; not available in 2016 Royal Mint year sets.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2016.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: a portrait of Jemima Puddleduck with the inscription JEMIMA PUDDLEDUCK above
Image courtesy of the Royal Mint
Further details and designer not yet known
Issued in 2016; not available in 2016 Royal Mint year sets.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2016.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: a portrait of Squirrel Nutkin with the inscription SQUIRREL NUTKIN above
Further details and designer not yet known
Issued in 2016; Not available in 2016 Royal Mint year sets.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2016.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: a swimmer ding the butterfly stroke. Olympics symbol above
Further details and designer not yet known
Issued in 2016; Not available in 2016 Royal Mint year sets.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRA REG FID DEF 2017.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: A representation of the Solar System, SIR ISAAC NEWTON above, FIFTY PENCE below
Designed by Aaron West
Issued in 2017.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2017.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: a portrait of Jeremy Fisher with the inscription MR JEREMY FISHER above
Further details and designer not yet known
Issued in 2017; Not available in 2017 Royal Mint year sets.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2017.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: a portrait of Benjamin Bunny with the inscription BENJAMIN BUNNY around
Further details and designer not yet known
Issued in 2017; Not available in 2017 Royal Mint year sets.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2017.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: a portrait of Tom Kitten with the inscription TOM KITTEN around
Further details and designer not yet known
Issued in 2017; Not available in 2017 Royal Mint year sets.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2017.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: a portrait of Peter Rabbit running to the right with the inscription THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT around
Further details and designer not yet known
Issued in 2017; Not available in 2017 Royal Mint year sets.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2018.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: a woman holding aloft a ballot paper, with a queue of four other voters, 1918 REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT above
Designed by Peter Taylor
Issued in 2018. Mintage 9,000,000.
Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRA REG FID DEF 2019.
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: An outline of Sherlock Holmes surrounded by many titles of the stories, SHERLOCK HOLMES above, 50 PENCE below
Designed by Stephen Raw
Issued in 2019. Mintage 8,602,000
Obv: First Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2021. 50 PENCE below
Central point above Queen's head.
Rev: 1971 DECIMAL DAY in the centre, surrounded by images of pre-decimal coins.
Designed by Doinique Evans
Issued in 2021, only available in Royal Mint sets.
Further Beatrix Potter coins showing Tom Kitten and Benjamin Bunny were issued in late 2017, along with another 2017 dated Peter Rabbit. Paddington Bear commemoratives in two versions were issued in 2018, and two further designs the following year. In 2020 a coin commemorating Brexit and another for Team GB looking forward to the Tokyo Olympics were issued, along with one celebrating Diversity.
2022 issues include UK Pride, The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, and Memorial coin for Queen Elizabeth.
Due to the complexity of later issues, with many designs only available in folders or sets and not used for circulation, this part of the page is unlikely to be updated in the near future.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D {date}
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Child jumping over a stick. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Designed by Florence Jackson
Issued in 2009 and 2011. 2011 date seen in circulation; 2009 versions available in Royal Mint presentation folder only.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Aquatics. Swimmer, with lines across the face. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010, extremely scarce, and believed to have only been issued in BU sets.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Aquatics. Swimmer, without lines across the face. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Archery. Hand, arrow and bowstring. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Badminton. Shuttlecock and players. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Basketball players. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Boccia. Wheelchair player. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Boxing. Two gloves and ring. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Canoeist. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Cyclist on track. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Equestrian. Horse and rider jumping fence. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Two fencers. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Diagram explaining the offside rule. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in 2011, with the lowest mintage of the Olympics types.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Goalball player throwing a ball. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Gymnast with ribbon. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Handball player and court. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Seen in circulation.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Hockey. Two players. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Judo Throw in progress. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in 2011.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Modern Pentathlon. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Two rowers. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Shooting. Clay pigeon shooter. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Table Tennis. Two bats, ball and table. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Two athletes engaging in Taekwondo. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Not yet seen, but reported to be in circulation.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Ball over tennis net. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Not yet seen, but reported to be in circulation.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Triathlon. Runner, cyclist and swimmer. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Volleyball Game in progress. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Female weightlifter. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Seen in circulation.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Wheelchair player with ball. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Not yet seen, but reported to be in circulation.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Wrestlers in stadium. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Seen in circulation.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Sailing. Yachts and map of Portland Bill. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.
Issued in December 2010.
The full designation of the Britannia reverse is 'The seated figure of Britannia'. The use of this figure carries on a long tradition of using this type of reverse, dating back to the time of the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, whose main claim to fame (in the UK) is the Antonine Wall that he had built out of turf between the Forth and the Clyde. The removal of Britannia from UK coins in 2008 was the cause of considerable controversy.
After the introduction of the pound coin in 1983 demand for the coin dropped significantly, and although well used, fewer were tied up in vending machines, so the banks had a large surplus in stock. This is why so few were released into circulation between 1985 and the reduction in size in 1997.
The need to reduce the size was not made clear. One argument at the time of its introduction was that the coin's circulation life of 50 years is far in excess of the circulation life of a 10 shilling banknote. They did not even reach 30 years.
With the reduction in size the old larger coins have now been withdrawn from circulation, and demonetized with effect from 28th February 1998, although they can still be exchanged at some banks.
Unusually for the time, all three designs of the 1998 50p were issued for circulation. Previously, when a commemorative design has been issued for general circulation, the traditional Britannia reverse version had only been available (if at all) in Proof or Uncirculated sets. This has now changed, because a decision has been made by the Royal Mint to keep commemorative designs a bit special.
I have been informed that such special designs can be expected to have a normal issue level of 5 million. If the annual demand for 50p coins exceeds this, the balance are struck with the standard reverse.
See my Main Coins Index page for acknowledgements
Decimal Twenty Pence <<-- : -->> Decimal One Pound
Main Index
Values Index
Values of Decimal Fifty Pence Coins
Pictures Index
Pictures of Decimal Fifty Pence Coins
Decimal Coins of the UK - Fifty Pence
Copyright reserved by the author, Tony Clayton
v67 28th January 2024
