| Coin | Fifty Pence 2016 (mint sets only) |
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The British decimal 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 with a large version of the coin; it was reduced in size in 1997, with the older coins being demonetised in 1998. The design of the new (smaller) type remained unchanged at that time, retaining Christopher Ironside's Britannia reverse. In 2008 though the reverse was changed to (this) Matthew Dent's design; in a world-first concept, the designs for the 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p and 50p coins depict sections of the Royal Shield that form the whole shield when placed together; the shield in its entirety featured on the £1 coin, which was later discontinued.
The denomination has also been used extensively to issue one-year types of commemorative coins.
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 2016 have now been in circulation for seven years.
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown worn for her Coronation (effigy known as the "Fifth Portrait").
Running continuously around the effigy is the monarch's legend and the date: ELIZABETH II · DEI · GRA · REG · FID · DEF · 2016 ·. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.
In small letters below the head, the artist's initials J.C (for Jody Clark).
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| Reverse | |
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The lowest point of the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom, showing the third and fourth quarterings, with the value and denomination FIFTY PENCE below the point of the shield.
The designer's initials MD (for Matthew Dent) are incuse in small letters in the groove between the shield and the lower field (in the continuation of the dotted line which goes across the coin). |
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| Reverse Inscription |
FIFTY PENCE |
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| Edge | Plain | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Included in Set |
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2016 United Kingdom Annual Coin Set - The Coins of 2016, mintage 22,786
16 coins: £5 Queen's 90th Birthday, £2 Britannia, £2 Army, £2 Shakespeare - Histories, £2 Shakespeare - Comedies, £2 Shakespeare - Tragedies, £2 Great Fire of London, £1 Royal Shield, Last Round Pound, 50p, 50p Battle of Hastings, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p
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2016 United Kingdom Definitive Coin Set - The Definitive Coins of 2016, mintage 7,419
8 coins: £2 Britannia, £1 Royal Shield, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p
- variety: My First Coins & Baby Journal (2016), mintage 7,484 (not included in the above set)
- variety: Coins of Your Wedding Year 2016, mintage 813 (not included in the above set) |
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