United Kingdom 10 Pence (Large Type, 1968-1981)
Country of Origin: United Kingdom (The Royal Mint)
Year of Issue: 1968-1981 (Likely early 1970s based on wear)
Denomination: 10 Pence (0.10 GBP)
Composition: Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)
Brief Description
A circular silver-colored coin featuring a crowned lion on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
Historical Significance
Introduced as part of the decimalization of British currency. It was initially circulated alongside the florin (two-shilling piece) as they were identical in size and value until the 10p was reduced in size in 1992.
Estimated Value
$0.12 - $0.25 (Commonly found in bulk lots; essentially worth face value unless in pristine UNCIRCULATED condition)
Care Instructions
Store in a dry location. Avoid cleaning with chemicals or abrasives, as this coin is primarily a base-metal pocket piece with no silver content.
Mint Mark
None (Produced at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales or London)
Mintage & Rarity
Very Common (Billions minted between 1968 and 1980; not rare)
Weight & Diameter
11.31 grams / 28.5 mm
Edge
Reeded (milled)
Apparent Grade
Very Good to Fine (Moderate to heavy wear, surface dirt/toning visible, loss of detail in the lion's mane)
Obverse (Front)
Second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. Legend: ELIZABETH II D·G·REG·F·D·
Reverse (Back)
A crowned lion passant guardant (royally crowned lion), part of the Crest of England. Number '10' above, and the words 'NEW PENCE' or 'TEN PENCE' (later years) below.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Most valuable in Proof or Uncirculated condition. Circulated examples have no numismatic premium.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the pre-decimal Florin (Two Shillings) which is the same size, or the post-1992 10p which is significantly smaller.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for magnetic pull; cupro-nickel is non-magnetic. Check the edge for a seam which would indicate a cast fake, though fakes of this common coin are extremely rare.
Notable Varieties & Errors
The 1968 and 1969 issues are the most common early decimal pieces. There are no major rare decimal varieties for this specific type.
Created At: 2026-05-10T21:57:59.115922