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The British fifty pence (50p) coin - often pronounced 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 when the 50p joined the 5p (shilling) and 10p (florin) coins in circulation, leaving only the three copper coins (1/2p, 1p and 2p) to be introduced on 15 February 1971 to complete the new series of decimal coins; unlike other coin types at the time though, the 50 pence coin was not equivalent to a pre-decimal coin - it replaced the old ten shilling banknote.
With the introduction of smaller 5p and 10p coins in 1990 and 1992 respectively, the 50p became the largest coin in circulation. In October 1994 the Government announced a further review of the United Kingdom coinage. The results revealed a requirement for a smaller 50p coin, which was duly introduced on 1 September 1997; it retained the design by Christopher Ironside.
Coins issued in 1969 circulated for 29 years years until the 50p coin was reduced in size in 1997 and the older (large) coins were removed from circulation; they were demonetised in 1998.
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Obverse | |
The obverse of the coin shows the crowned and draped young bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (her effigy known as the "Second Portrait", by Arnold Machin).
The Queen wears the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" diamond tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary (Her Majesty's grandmother) in 1947 - which she also has on the Rank-Broadley and the Gottwald portraits.
Around, the monarch's legend and the date of issue: ELIZABETH · II D · G · REG · F · D · 1969. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith 1969.
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Reverse | |
The reverse features a figure of Britannia - traditional on British coinage since 1672. She is seated beside a lion, with a shield decorated with the crosses of the union flag resting against her right side, holding a trident in her right hand and an olive branch in her left hand, with the figure 50 below (in exergue) and the inscription NEW PENCE around above. |
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Reverse Inscription |
50 NEW PENCE |
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Edge | Plain | Edge Inscription | None |
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Included in Set |
Celebrate 50 Years of the 50p Coin - 2-Coin Historic Set, mintage 3,673 2 coins: 50p 1969, 50p 2019
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His Majesty King Charles III Heir to Monarch Set, mintage 5,000, limited to 5,000 2 coins: 50p 2023 King Charles III Coronation, 50p 1969
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The Mother and Son Two-Coin 50p Set, mintage 1,948 2 coins: 50p 2022 In Memory of Queen Elizabeth II, 50p 1969
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