Fifty Pence 2022 Alan Turing, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

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UK Fifty Pence coin was issued in 1969 with the classic Britannia reverse design by Christopher Ironside, which was superseded in 2008 by the Matthew Dent design for circulation coins.The denomination is also extensively used to issue circulating commemorative coins.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).

This commemorative 50p coin is the sixth and final issue in the Innovation in Science series, and commemorates Alan Turing.

The Mint says about it:
"Earning an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his code breaking intellect that helped sway the Second World War in favour of the Allies, Turing also made major contributions to the fields of computer science, mathematics and biology. His papers remain intense areas of intellectual discussion, which suggests Turing’s thinking was far ahead of its time.

The Bank of England has previously honoured the father of modern computing on a £50 banknote but this is the first time we have commemorated Alan Turing on a UK coin. With a design by the experienced designers Matt Dent and Christian Davies, the final coin in the 50p series is a wonderful tribute to a man with a remarkable mind."

The coins were issued in a variety of collector formats only. No coins of this type were released into circulation.