Twenty Pence (Gardner design), Coin Type from United Kingdom - detailed information

Twenty Pence (Gardner design), Coin Type from United Kingdom (issued 1982 - 2008)
Coin TypeTwenty Pence (Gardner design)

The British twenty pence (20p) coin - often pronounced "twenty pee" - is a unit of currency equaling twenty one-hundredths of a pound sterling.

Unlike the smaller denominations, the twenty pence coin was not introduced at decimalisation in 1970 but was added in 1982 (released to banks for distribution on the 9th of June), with a design by William Gardner (showing a crowned Tudor rose). This original reverse design was changed to the current version featuring a segment of the Royal Shield by Matthew Dent in 2008; coins of the old design are still current and circulate together with the new ones.

To help identification and avoid confusion with similar sized coins the 20p is seven sided and like the 50p is an equilateral curve heptagon. The shape, with its constant rolling diameter, means that it is readily acceptable in vending machines. Its composition is 84% copper and 16% nickel.

Twenty and fifty pence coins are legal tender only up to the sum of £10; this means that it is permissible to refuse payment of sums greater than this amount in 20p coins in order to settle a debt.

Obverse
United Kingdom / Twenty Pence (Gardner design) - obverse photo

Effigy of the ruling British monarch, legend (in Latin). There is no date on the obverse.

Twenty pence coins of this design was only issued during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and carried three of her effigies: her Second Portrait by Arnold Machin (1982 - 1984), the Third Portrait by Raphael Maklouf (1985 - 1997), and her Fourth Portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley (1998 - 2008).

Obverse Inscription Legend of the ruling British monarch
Reverse
United Kingdom / Twenty Pence (Gardner design) - reverse photo

The reverse shows a crowned Tudor rose, with the numeral value 20 below the rose, and the value and denomination in words: TWENTY PENCE around above. The date: [year], is incuse and divided by the crown. Small incuse letters W and G divided by the rose represent the artist's initials.

Reverse Inscription 20 TWENTY PENCE [year]
EdgePlainEdge InscriptionNone
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Coin Type: Twenty Pence (Gardner design) - (27) Coins
Coin NameReverseObverseIn my collection(s)
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Twenty Pence (Gardner design): Details
CountryUnited Kingdom
CurrencyPound Sterling
Sub-type ofTwenty Pence
From1982
To2008
Face Value20 (x Penny)
CurrentYes
MaterialCuproNickel
DesignerWilliam Gardner
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeHeptagon (Seven-sided)
OrientationMedal Alignment (Axis 0)
Size21.4000 mm
Thickness1.7000 mm
Mass5.0000 g
Twenty Pence (Gardner design): Photos
ImageDetails
Twenty Pence (Gardner design): Photo United Kingdom 20 Pence 2003 United Kingdom 20 Pence 2003
Copyright: World Coin Shop
Source
Twenty Pence (Gardner design): Photo Coin, Great Britain, Elizabeth II, 20 Pence, 1984 Coin, Great Britain, Elizabeth II, 20 Pence, 1984
Copyright: NumisCorner.com
Source
Twenty Pence (Gardner design): Photo Great Britain, Elizabeth II, 20 Pence, 1993 Great Britain, Elizabeth II, 20 Pence, 1993
Copyright: NumisCorner.com
Source
Twenty Pence (Gardner design): Photo United Kingdom 20 Pence 2003 United Kingdom 20 Pence 2003
Copyright: World Coin Shop
Source