Two Pence (Squirrel), Coin Type from United Kingdom - detailed information

Two Pence (Squirrel), Coin Type from United Kingdom (issued 2023 - )
Coin TypeTwo Pence (Squirrel)

The two pence coin is currently the second lowest circulating denomination of the British (decimal) Pound Sterling, after the half penny was demonetised in 1984. 2 pence are equal to 1/50th of a pound.

This 2p coin design replaced the earlier 2p design by Matthew Dent, which had been in circulation since 2008. The reverse depicts a red squirrel, 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.

One penny and two pence coins are legal tender only up to the sum of 20p; this means that it is permissible to refuse payment of sums greater than this amount in 1p and 2p coins in order to settle a debt.

Obverse
United Kingdom / Two Pence (Squirrel) - obverse photo

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

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

In the right-hand part of the coin, the design depicts a red squirrel above pine needles and pine cones.

On the left, on two lines the value and denomination, 2 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 2 PENCE
EdgePlainEdge InscriptionNone
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London Mint Office coins.
London Mint Office coins.
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London Mint Office coins.
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Two Pence (Squirrel): Details
CountryUnited Kingdom
CurrencyPound Sterling
Sub-type ofTwo Pence
From2023
Face Value2 (x Penny)
CurrentYes
MaterialCopper-plated steel
DesignerRoyal Mint
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationMedal Alignment (Axis 0)
Size25.9100 mm
Thickness2.0300 mm
Mass7.1300 g