Fifty Pence 2024 Team GB and ParalympicsGB, 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UK Fifty Pence coin was issued in 1969 with the classic Britannia reverse design by Christopher Ironside, which was superseded in 2008 by the Matthew Dent design for circulation coins.The denomination is also extensively used to issue circulating commemorative coins.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 is dedicated to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The mint says about it:
Team GB is the only nation to have won a gold medal at every Summer Olympic Games since the first modern event in 1896. The stories of Team GB’s athletes - including who they are, what drives them, and their achievements - represent the nation. At Paris 2024, they will come together with over 10,000 other athletes from around the world to compete in a stunning spectacle set amongst some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

ParalympicsGB is the country’s largest national disability sport charity and the National Paralympic Committee for the UK. It is responsible for the selection, preparation, and funding of the British team at the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games.

The UK is the birthplace of Paralympic sport as Sir Ludwig Guttmann pioneered a sporting revolution at Stoke Mandeville Hospital more than 70 years ago, and today the modern ParalympicsGB is a successful, medal-winning sports team across a record-breaking range of sports. The team is also a force for change for disabled people across the UK, continuing to shift perceptions of disability, as well as ensuring sustainable improvements to the lives of all disabled people throughout the country.

The reverse design is by Charis Tsevis, a Greek visual designer living and working in Pafos, Cyprus.

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