2021 Fifty Pence Coin – 50th Anniversary of Decimalisation

The 2021 Fifty Pence Coin - 50th Anniversary of Decimalisation

This 50p coin is to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of decimalisation. It was probably obvious that the Royal Mint would recognise this milestone but they created a nice surprise with the obverse portrait.

This coin was runner-up in The Royal Mint Coin of the Year 2021.

There are many collectors who can personally remember decimalisation on 15 February 1971 and it's strange to think it is now 50 years ago. From what I remember it went fairly smoothly. It you don't remember it it may be interesting to read Introduction to British Coins – Current and Pre-Decimal.

The Reverse, by Dominique Evans, shows fragments of the coins we had to say goodbye do at decimalisation, such as the shilling, half-crown and the Wren of the farthing.

The Obverse may be a surprise. It features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin (30 September 1911 – 9 March 1999) which was the one used at the time of decimalisation and was used on coins between 1968-1984.

Coin shown is the Proof version. This coin is only available in the 2021 Annual Sets.

Image credit: The Royal Mint.

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