50 New Pence
Fifty New Pence
United Kingdom · 1969
An equilateral curve heptagon coin featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and Britannia seated beside a lion with a trident on the reverse.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Year
- 1969
- Denomination
- 50 New Pence
- Metal
- Cupro-Nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)
- Grade
- About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU/MS) with minor surface marks and toning
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Overview
An equilateral curve heptagon coin featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and Britannia seated beside a lion with a trident on the reverse.
Historical significance
Introduced in 1969 as part of the preparation for the decimalization of British currency in 1971, this was the world's first seven-sided coin, designed to be easily distinguishable from round coins by touch.
Obverse (front)
First decimal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. Legend reads 'ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 1969'. Designed by Arnold Machin.
Reverse (back)
Britannia seated beside a lion, holding a trident and an olive branch, with the Union flag shield behind her. The denomination 'NEW PENCE' arches above and '50' is positioned below. Designed by Christopher Ironside.
Estimated value
$1 - $5 in circulated condition; up to $15-$25 in uncirculated condition
What drives this coin's value
Condition/grade, presence of rare errors or die varieties, and proof vs. circulation strike
Grade assessment
About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU/MS) with minor surface marks and toning
Mintage & rarity
High mintage (over 124 million struck for 1969), common
Authenticity & counterfeit red flags
Verify weight (13.5g) and dimensions. Because of the high mintage and low face value relative to precious metals, counterfeiting of standard circulation base-metal pieces is rare.
Notable varieties & errors
Proof versions struck for collectors, and occasional minor doubling errors on the dies
Similar coins
Later UK 50 pence coins featuring the royal shield or commemorative designs, though the text 'NEW PENCE' is unique to early issues (1969-1981)
Care & preservation
Handle by the edges using clean hands or cotton gloves. Store in a dry, stable environment using PVC-free coin holders or flips. Do not clean, as harsh cleaning will permanently damage the surface and reduce value.
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