British 50 Pence (Decimal Coinage)

United Kingdom (Royal Mint) · 1997-2022 (Modern reduced size)

A seven-sided (equilateral curve heptagon) silver-colored coin featuring the profile of Queen Elizabeth II.

Country: United Kingdom (Royal Mint)
Year: 1997-2022 (Modern reduced size)
Denomination: 50 Pence
Metal: Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified April 21, 2026More united kingdom (royal mint) coins →

Explore British 50 Pence (Decimal Coinage) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Overview

A seven-sided (equilateral curve heptagon) silver-colored coin featuring the profile of Queen Elizabeth II.

Historical significance

The 50p coin was introduced in 1969 as part of decimalization. In 1997, it was replaced by this smaller version. It is one of the most collected coins in the UK due to its many commemorative reverse designs.

Obverse (front)

Features the head of Queen Elizabeth II. Most likely the 4th portrait (by Ian Rank-Broadley) or 5th portrait (by Jody Clark) facing right, with the legend ELIZABETH II D G REG F D.

Reverse (back)

Standard designs include the Seated Britannia (1997-2008) or the Royal Shield of Arms section (2008-present). The image is too blurry to confirm if it is a commemorative design.

Estimated value

$0.65 - $1.00 USD (Face value/Circulated), Highly variable for rare commemoratives (e.g. Kew Gardens can reach $200+).

What drives this coin's value

Rarity of the reverse design is the primary factor. Circulated standard designs are only worth face value, while rare commemoratives like the 2009 Kew Gardens or certain Olympic varieties are highly valuable.

Grade assessment

Circulated (Blurry images prevent precise grading, but appears to have typical surface wear).

Mintage & rarity

Common for standard Britannia or Shield designs; mintage ranges from millions to tens of millions depending on the year.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for crispness of the lettering and the distinct heptagonal shape. Weight should be exactly 8 grams. Some high-value commemoratives have sophisticated fakes, but standard shield/Britannia types are rarely faked.

Notable varieties & errors

The 2009 Kew Gardens is the most famous 'key date'. Other rare varieties include the 2011 Olympic 'Offside' or 'Aquatics' (with lines over face) errors/designs.

Similar coins

The original large-size 50p (pre-1997) which is much heavier (13.5g). It can also be confused with 50p coins from British Overseas Territories (e.g., Isle of Man, Gibraltar).