British Two Pence (Fourth Portrait)

Country of Origin: United Kingdom (issued by the Royal Mint)

Year of Issue: 2004

Denomination: Two Pence (0.02 GBP)

Composition: Copper-plated steel

British Two Pence (Fourth Portrait)

Brief Description

A round, copper-colored coin featuring the Badge of the Prince of Wales on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.

Historical Significance

This coin is part of the decimalization series of the United Kingdom. It features the fourth definitive coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which was used on British currency from 1998 to 2015.

Estimated Value

$0.05 - $0.25 in circulated condition; $1.00 - $3.00 in uncirculated (MS) condition.

Care Instructions

Store in a cool, dry place to prevent 'zinc rot' or oxidation of the steel core if the plating is damaged. Avoid cleaning with chemicals which can strip the copper plating.

Mint Mark

None (Royal Mint Llantrisant, Wales)

Mintage & Rarity

356,396,000; highly common circulation issue.

Weight & Diameter

7.12g, 25.9mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

Extremely Fine (XF); shows minor handling marks and slight dulling of the original mint luster, but detail remains sharp.

Obverse (Front)

Fourth crown portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. Legend: ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2004. Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley (initials IRB below neck).

Reverse (Back)

The Badge of the Prince of Wales: a plume of three ostrich feathers enfiling a coronet of crosses pattee and fleurs-de-lys with the motto ICH DIEN (I serve). Legend: TWO PENCE above, numeral 2 below. Designer: Christopher Ironside.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Condition (luster and lack of scratches) and metal composition. 2004 coins are almost exclusively copper-plated steel rather than bronze.

Similar Coins

Older 2p coins (1971-1981) which say 'NEW PENCE' instead of 'TWO PENCE' and bronze versions (1982-1991) which are non-magnetic.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Check with a magnet; 2004 issues should be magnetic as they are plated steel. Counterfeits of this low denomination are extremely rare.

Notable Varieties & Errors

No major die varieties for the 2004 date; however, collectors look for 'New Pence' errors on 1983 coins.

Created At: 2026-06-08T17:45:50.876114