Fifty Pence 1973 EEC, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

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. Most of the circulating large 50p coins had a reverse design depicting Britannia, a figure traditional on British coinage since 1672. On three occasions though, the denomination was used to celebrate important events, each being commemorated by a new reverse design - such as this one.

This coin commemorates the accession of the United Kingdom to the European Economic Community (EEC). It is the first commemorative issue of the 50p denomination. It is also the first where the date was on the reverse and not the obverse as usual.

No "regular" circulating type (seated Britannia) 50 pence coins were issued in 1973.

Coins issued in 1973 circulated for 25 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.