Fifty Pence 2023 Harry Potter - Hogwarts, 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UK Fifty Pence coin was issued in 1969 with the classic Britannia reverse design by Christopher Ironside, which was superseded in 2008 by the Matthew Dent design for circulation coins.The denomination is also extensively used to issue circulating commemorative coins.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 50p commemorative coin marks the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - published on 26 June 1997. It is the fourth and final design in a series of four (each released in a number of coin formats).

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" is the first in a series of seven fantasy novels (all later filmed) written by British author J. K. Rowling. The novels chronicle the lives of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main story concerns Harry's struggle against Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who intends to become immortal, overthrow the wizard governing body known as the Ministry of Magic and subjugate all wizards and Muggles (non-magical people).

Engraved by Ffion Gwillim, the design is based on book illustrations by Jim Kay and not on the subsequent films, and features the castle of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

These 50 pence coins were struck in various collector formats but none were issued into general circulation.