The British fifty pence (50p) coin - often pronounced as "fifty pee" - is a unit of currency equalling one half of a pound sterling. It is a seven-sided coin formed as an equilateral-curve heptagon, or Reuleaux polygon - a curve of constant width, meaning that the diameter is constant across any bisection. This shape, which was revolutionary at the time, made it easily distinguishable from round coins both by feel and by sight, while its constant breadth allowed it to roll in vending machines.
The denomination was introduced in October 1969 in preparation for decimalisation of the currency, which happened in 1971. The initial large 50p coins were replaced by the current smaller 50p version in 1997. Apart from the regular circulating coins, the 50p denomination has also been extensively used to celebrate important events, each being commemorated by a new reverse design and issued as a circulating commemorative coin.
Beginning in 2009, The Royal Mint also started issuing 50 pence coins for collectors which are not meant to be released in circulation, so are classified as Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT). Quite often, they are struck in precious metals and not only in copper-nickel as the circulating currency. You can find a list below. |
