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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 2021 have now been in circulation for only two years. | ||||||||||||
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Variety | In mint sets | |
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Images |
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Mintage | Issued: unknown | |
Details | Brilliant Uncirculated coins in Royal Mint sets. | |
In Sets |
2021 United Kingdom Brilliant Uncirculated Annual Coin Set - The 2021 Collection, mintage unknown
13 coins: £5 Queen's 95th Birthday, £2 Britannia, £2 H.G. Wells, £2 Sir Walter Scott, £1 Nations of the Crown, 50p, 50p Decimal Day, 50p John Logie Baird, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p 2021 United Kingdom Definitive Coin Set - The Definitive Coins of 2021, mintage unknown 8 coins: £2 Britannia, £1 Nations of the Crown, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p - variety: Hello Little One 2021 Baby Journal, mintage unknown (not included in the above set) | |
Variety | My Lost Tooth Celebration Set | |
Mintage | Issued: unknown | |
Details | 50p Brilliant Uncirculated Coin dated 2021, boxed, with a "beautifully crafted cream pouch which keeps the coin safe" and a "thank you" letter from the Tooth Fairy. Royal Mint Product Code: TF21MLTK; release price £15.00. | |
Variety | Proof FDC | |
Images |
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Mintage | Issued: unknown | |
Details | Proof FDC coins in Royal Mint sets. | |
In Sets |
The 2021 United Kingdom Proof Coin Set Collector Edition, mintage unknown
13 coins: £5 Queen's 95th Birthday, £2 Britannia, £2 H.G. Wells, £2 Sir Walter Scott, £1 Nations of the Crown, 50p, 50p Decimal Day, 50p John Logie Baird, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p, Oblong Proof Medal The 2021 United Kingdom Premium Proof Coin Set, mintage unknown 13 coins: £5 Queen's 95th Birthday, £2 Britannia, £2 H.G. Wells, £2 Sir Walter Scott, £1 Nations of the Crown, 50p, 50p Decimal Day, 50p John Logie Baird, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p, Round Proof Medal | |
Variety | Silver Proof FDC | |
Images |
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Mintage | Issued: unknown | |
Material | 0.925 Silver | |
Details | Silver Proof FDC coins in Royal Mint sets. | |
In Set |
The 2021 United Kingdom Silver Proof Coin Set, mintage unknown
13 coins: £5 Queen's 95th Birthday, £2 Britannia, £2 H.G. Wells, £2 Sir Walter Scott, £1 Nations of the Crown, 50p, 50p Decimal Day, 50p John Logie Baird, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p |
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Wild Winds Ancient Coins |
Country | United Kingdom |
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Currency | Pound Sterling |
Coin Type | Fifty Pence (Dent design) |
Issued | 2021 |
Monarch | Queen Elizabeth II |
Effigy | Queen Elizabeth II - Portrait by Jody Clark (Fifth Portrait) |
Face Value | 50 (x Penny) |
Mintage | unknown |
Current | Yes |
Material | CuproNickel |
Designer | Matthew Dent |
Technology | Milled (machine-made) |
Shape | Heptagon |
Size | 27.3000 mm |
Thickness | 1.7800 mm |
Mass | 8.0000 g |
OCC ID | BVYX-OWRC-JARZ-EJZN |
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Buy American Gold Buffalo Coins |
Source | Reference ID |
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Spink, Coins of England and the United Kingdom | H40 |
Krause, Standard Catalog of World Coins | Great Britain KM# 1337 |