The British fifty pence (50p) coin - often pronounced as "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 of its introduction, makes it easily distinguishable from round coins both by feel and by sight, while its constant breadth allows it to roll in vending machines.
The first UK Fifty Pence coin was issued in 1969 with the classic Britannia reverse design by Christopher Ironside, which was superseded in 2008 by the Matthew Dent design for circulation coins.The denomination is also extensively used to issue circulating commemorative coins.
Beginning in 2009, the Royal Mint started issuing 50 pence coins for collectors - such as this one - which are not meant to be released in circulation, so are classified as Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT).
To celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Royal Mint released a series of circulating commemorative coins representing various sports: Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boccia, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing, Football, Goalball, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Modern Pentathlon, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wheelchair Rugby and Wrestling.
All of these were ultimately issued in 2011. However, the Royal Mint started preparing for the event earlier and issued the Athletics coin in 2009 as a limited edition packaged in a Blue Peter presentation pack, after Florence Jackson (who was nine years old at the time) won the CBBC Blue Peter design competition for it. The issue was initially limited at 100,000 which was later reduced to 50,000. However, according to Collectors Coins Great Britain, the number actually sold was only 19,751.
No 2009-dated coins of this type were issued into circulation. |
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