Coin | Twenty Pence 1986 (mint sets only) |
---|
|
The British twenty pence (20p) coin - often pronounced "twenty pee" - is a unit of currency equaling twenty one-hundredths of a pound sterling.
Unlike the smaller denominations, the twenty pence coin was not introduced at decimalisation in 1970 but was added in 1982, with a design by William Gardner (showing a crowned Tudor rose). This original reverse design was changed to the current version featuring a segment of the Royal Shield by Matthew Dent in 2008; coins of the old design are still current and circulate together with the new ones.
To help identification and avoid confusion with similar sized coins the 20p is seven sided and like the 50p is an equilateral curve heptagon. The shape, with its constant rolling diameter, means that it is readily acceptable in vending machines. Its composition is 84% copper and 16% nickel.
No twenty pence coins were issued for circulation in 1986.
Some were struck for the Royal Mint coins sets of the year (167,224 in brilliant uncirculated sets and 104,597 in proof sets). |
|
Obverse | |
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 used to wear 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: ELIZABETH II D · G · REG · F · D ·. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.
|
|
|
Reverse | |
The reverse shows a crowned Tudor rose, with the numeral value 20 below the rose, and the value and denomination in words: TWENTY PENCE around above. The date: 1986, is incuse and divided by the crown. Small incuse letters W and G divided by the rose represent the artist's initials. |
|
Reverse Inscription |
20 TWENTY PENCE 1986 |
---|
|
Edge | Plain | Edge Inscription | None |
|
|