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The British fifty pence (50p) coin - often pronounced fifty pee - is a unit of currency equaling 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 large 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. The large coins were demonetised in 1998. In 2008, a new 50p design by Matthew Dent was introduced. However, the old-type small coins are still legal tender. Twenty pence 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 and 50p coins in order to settle a debt. Coins issued in 1999 have now been in circulation for 26 years. | ||||||||||||
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Royal Mint |
Variety | In mint sets | |
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Mintage | Issued: 136,696 (included in total) | |
In Set |
1999 United Kingdom Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Collection, mintage 136,696
8 coins: £2 Rugby World Cup, £1 Scottish Lion, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p - variety: 1999 Baby Gift Set - United Kingdom Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Collection, mintage unknown (included in the above set) - variety: 1999 United Kingdom Wedding Coin Collection, mintage unknown (included in the above set) | |
Variety | Proof FDC | |
Mintage | Issued: 80,144 (included in total) | |
In Set |
1999 United Kingdom Proof Coin Collection, mintage 40,317
9 coins: £5 Princess Diana, £2 Rugby World Cup, £1 Scottish Lion, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p - variety: 1999 United Kingdom Proof Coin Collection (deluxe), mintage 39,827 (not included in the above set) |
Source | Edition | About | Link | Notes |
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Royal Mint | 28th March 2019 | Mint | link | |
Royal Mint | 28th March 2019 | Mintage | link | Circulation mintage |
Spink, Coins of England and the United Kingdom | Mintage | Proof mintage |
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London Mint Office coins. |
Country | United Kingdom |
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Currency | Pound Sterling |
Coin Type | Fifty Pence (Small, Ironside design) |
Issued | 1999 |
Monarch | Queen Elizabeth II |
Effigy | Queen Elizabeth II - Fourth Portrait, by Ian Rank-Broadley |
Reverse | Britannia, Seated |
Face Value | 50 (x Penny) |
Circulation Mintage | 24,905,000 (24.9 million) |
Total Mintage | 24,985,144 (25.0 million), Rarity: C (Common) |
Current | Yes |
Material | CuproNickel |
Designer | Christopher Ironside |
Technology | Milled (machine-made) |
Shape | Heptagon (Seven-sided) |
Size | 27.3000 mm |
Thickness | 1.7800 mm |
Mass | 8.0000 g |
OCC ID | ZQRA-POBN-CNQY-OYJD |
Source | Reference ID |
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Spink, Coins of England and the United Kingdom | H8 (was 4610) |
Krause, Standard Catalog of World Coins | Great Britain KM# 991 |