Two Pence 1983 (mint sets only), Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information
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The two pence coin is currently the second lowest circulating denomination of the British (decimal) Pound Sterling, after the half penny was demonetised in 1984. It was one of three new coins introduced into general circulation on the 15 February 1971 when the United Kingdom adopted a new decimal currency system. The other two new coins were the 1/2p and 1p coins (5p, 10p and 50p had been introduced earlier). To avoid confusion between the old and new coinage all three coins initially had the word "NEW" incorporated into the reverse design; this was later removed. Bronze was replaced for new coins with copper-plated steel in 1992. In 2008, a new design was introduced. The original coins are still current though, and circulate in parallel with the new ones. No two pence coins were issued for general circulation in 1983. Some Proof FDC and Brilliant Uncirculated coins were struck for the mint sets of the year only. One penny and two pence coins are legal tender only up to the sum of 20p; this means that it is permissible to refuse payment of sums greater than this amount in 1p and 2p coins in order to settle a debt. | ||||||||||||
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| London Mint Office coins. |
| Variety | In mint sets | |
|---|---|---|
| Mintage | Issued: 637,100 (included in total) | |
| In Set |
United Kingdom Uncirculated Coin Collection 1983, mintage 637,100
8 coins: £1 Royal Arms, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p, 1/2p - variety: United Kingdom Uncirculated Coin Collection 1983 (error), mintage unknown (included in the above set) | |
| Variety | Old reverse: NEW PENCE | |
| Mintage | Issued: unknown (included in total) | |
| Details | The word "NEW" was dropped from the reverse of the currency issues in 1982 but a number of two pence coins were struck in 1983 with the incorrect reverse die, similar to the earlier coins. According to Spink, "reports suggest that the error coins, or "mules", were contained in some sets packed by the Royal Mint for Martini and Heinc issued in 1983". | |
| In Set |
United Kingdom Uncirculated Coin Collection 1983 (error), mintage unknown
8 coins: £1 Royal Arms, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p, 1/2p | |
| Variety | Proof FDC | |
| Mintage | Issued: 107,800 (included in total) | |
| In Set |
United Kingdom Proof Coin Collection 1983, mintage 107,800
8 coins: £1 Royal Arms, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p, 1/2p | |
| Source | Edition | About | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spink, Coins of England and the United Kingdom | Mintage | |||
| Spink, Coins of England and the United Kingdom | Varieties | Proof FDC, Old reverse |
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| London Mint Office coins. |
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Currency | Pound Sterling |
| Coin Type | Two Pence (Ironside design, Bronze) |
| Issued | 1983 |
| Monarch | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Effigy | Queen Elizabeth II - Second Portrait, by Arnold Machin |
| Face Value | 2 (x Penny) |
| Circulation Mintage | 637,100 |
| Total Mintage | 744,900 |
| Current | Yes |
| Material | Bronze |
| Designer | Christopher Ironside |
| Technology | Milled (machine-made) |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Medal Alignment (Axis 0) |
| Size | 25.9100 mm |
| Thickness | 1.8500 mm |
| Mass | 7.1280 g |
| OCC ID | KLBR-PORR-CZRN-OMNY |
Search for United Kingdom: Two Pence 1983 (mint sets only) on eBay 
| Source | Reference ID |
|---|---|
| Spink, Coins of England and the United Kingdom | C2 (was 4236), C2A (was 4236A), Old reverse mule |
| Krause, Standard Catalog of World Coins | Great Britain KM# 928, KM# 919 (Old reverse mule) |