Fifty Pence 2024 Salmon, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

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.

This 50p coin design replaced the earlier 50p design by Matthew Dent, which had been in circulation since 2008. The reverse depicts an Atlantic salmon and is part of the nature-inspired recoinage introduced to mark the reign of King Charles III, reflecting his interest in conservation and nature. Wild populations of Atlantic salmon can be found in very clean rivers in Scotland and Wales along with those in North and South West England.

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 2024 have now been in circulation for less than one year.