At the time of decimalisation in 1971, the United Kingdom Crown coin (equal to 5 shillings) was redenominated as a 25p coin and pieces struck prior to 1990 - all the way back to 1818 - continue to be legal tender for that amount. The old denomination had been a regular circulating coin in the 19th century, but in the 20th century it became more of a commemorative denomination.
The Royal Mint continued issuing commemorative coins in the same format - using the traditional coin dimensions, but in copper-nickel. These were initially also denominated as 25 pence but the "Crown" was changed in 1990 to a commemorative £5 (five pound) coin, having the same dimensions and weight but with a face value twenty times as great.
The denomination is used to mark special occasions, usually royal in theme, rather than for use in general circulation. Although not circulating, these coins are legal tender.
The 2025 Year of the Snake coins are part of the Royal Mint's Shēngxiào Collection - a coin series dedicated to the Chinese Lunar calendar. The reverse design by US Mint designer Chris Costello has been inspired by the European adder snake.
The mint says:
"The Shēngxiào Collection continues with a coin celebrating the Year of the Snake. Those born under this sign often share the characteristics of strength, intelligence and adaptability."
The range was released on 5 September 2024, in advance of the Chinese Lunar Year of the Snake (29 January 2025 - 16 February 2026). | 
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