| Coin | Ten Pence 1990 (mint sets only) |
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The British decimal ten pence (10p) coin - often pronounced ten pee - is a unit of currency equalling ten one-hundredths of a pound sterling.
The coin was first issued in 1968 before the currency was decimalised, to circulate in parallel with the florin (two shillings) coin it eventually replaced. Its dimensions were the same as those of the florin, and the florin remained current after 1970, re-denominated as ten new pence.
After a review of the United Kingdom coinage in 1987, the Government announced its intention to issue a smaller 10p coin, which was first issued on 30 September 1992. The original (large) version of the ten pence coin was demonetised in 1993 together with the florin and replaced with a smaller version, which retained the original design by Christopher Ironside.
The large ten pence coins were minted from cupronickel (75% Cu, 25% Ni). No ten pence coins were issued for circulation in 1990.
Some were struck for the Royal Mint coins sets of the year (102,606 in brilliant uncirculated sets and 79,052 in proof sets). |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin shows the crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right (her effigy known as the "Third Portrait"). The Queen is wearing the royal diadem which she wears on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament, a pearl necklace and earrings.
Incuse in tiny letters on the neck truncation, the designer's initials RDM (for Raphael David Maklouf).
Around, the monarch's legend and the date of issue: ELIZABETH II D · G · REG · F · D · 1990. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith 1990.
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| Reverse | |
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The original design by Christopher Ironside features a part of the crest of England, a lion passant guardant royally crowned (i.e. a crowned walking lion to left, facing). The numeral value 10 is below the lion and the value and denomination in words: TEN PENCE are around above. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
10 TEN PENCE |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Issued in Set |
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1990 United Kingdom Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Collection, mintage 102,606
8 coins: £1 Welsh Leek, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p Large, 5p Small, 2p, 1p
- variety: 1990 United Kingdom Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Collection (Baby Gift Set), mintage unknown (included in the above set) |
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