Fifty Pence 2020 Diversity, 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 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 regular reverse was changed to Matthew Dent's design which depict a section of the Royal Shield. The denomination has also been used extensively to issue one-year types of commemorative coins such as this one.

This British Diversity circulating commemorative 50p coin was issued to celebrate diversity across the whole of Britain and how this has helped to shape the country's rich history and heritage. It was announced on 17th October 2020, with more than 2.5 million coins entering circulation the next week, from a total projected mintage of 10 million.

The Royal Mint says about it:
"Britain’s history is rich and diverse. For more than 1,100 years, the nation’s story has been told through coins struck by The Royal Mint, a narrative carried in the pockets and purses of all its people. The contribution of ethnic minority communities has been such an important part of that story but has often gone unrecognised. This coin has been created to celebrate all the people who have made Britain what it is today."

The edition was hailed as "signalling a change in the UK coinage": a new era for British coinage, with more designs celebrating diversity and inclusivity set to follow.

The design was also issued in a variety of collector formats.