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

Twenty Pence (Puffin), Coin Type from United Kingdom (issued 2023 - )
Coin TypeTwenty Pence (Puffin)

The twenty pence coin is a circulating denomination of the British (decimal) Pound Sterling. 20 pence equal one fifth of a pound.

This 20p coin design replaced the earlier 20p design by Matthew Dent, which had been in circulation since 2008. The reverse depicts a puffin (a seabird which breeds along the UK’s coastline) and is part of the nature-inspired recoinage introduced to mark the reign of King Charles III, reflecting his interest in conservation and nature.

The chief Royal Mint engraver, Gordon Summers, oversaw the designs, alongside an advisory committee at the Royal Mint, with the involvement of the monarch himself. The Royal Mint does not credit a specific person with the reverse design, but cites it as the work of the whole team.

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 (Puffin) - obverse photo

Effigy of the ruling British monarch, legend (in Latin), date.

Obverse Inscription Legend of the ruling British monarch, date
Reverse
United Kingdom / Twenty Pence (Puffin) - reverse photo

In the right-hand part of the coin, the design depicts a puffin bird on the shore.

On the left, on two lines the value and denomination, 20 PENCE.

The background on the left has a pattern of repeating three interlocking letters C, a feature which takes its inspiration from history and the cypher of King Charles II (C for Charles, CC for Charles the Second, CCC for Charles III), and small diamonds.

Reverse Inscription 20 PENCE
EdgePlainEdge InscriptionNone
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Royal Mint
Coin Type: Twenty Pence (Puffin) - (3) Coins
Coin NameReverseObverseIn my collection(s)
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London Mint Office coins.
London Mint Office coins.
Twenty Pence (Puffin): Details
CountryUnited Kingdom
CurrencyPound Sterling
Sub-type ofTwenty Pence
From2023
Face Value20 (x Penny)
CurrentYes
MaterialCuproNickel
DesignerRoyal Mint
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeHeptagon (Seven-sided)
OrientationMedal Alignment (Axis 0)
Size21.4000 mm
Thickness1.7000 mm
Mass5.0000 g