Fifty Pence coin
The fifty pence coin is one of the most recognisable British currency coins thanks to its unique shape. For collectors, they have become a popular choice too, attracting a large number of commemorative 50p pieces over the years.
At BullionByPost we offer a range of collectible gold fifty pence pieces. Weighing slightly less than a one ounce gold coin, the fifty pence coin offers collectors a chance to own something a little bit different; a design and shape traditionally reserved for lower value tender, made from a precious metal and to a premium finish. We also stock silver fifty pence proof coins, for those looking for a lower cost entry point.
History of the 50p coin
This history of the 50p coin is short compared to some British coins, but has become a mainstay in the last 50 years. The fifty pence coin was introduced into Britain’s currency in 1969, just ahead of decimalisation, and has remained in circulation ever since. As the name suggests, it has a face value of half of one Pound Sterling. The unique seven-sided design is known as a Reuleaux Polygon and has been used for coins around the world, as well the British twenty pence piece.
Made of cupro-nickel, the coin has a silver hue and originally weighed 13.5g with a diameter of 30 mm. Since 1997 however the coin weighs 8.0 grams and has a diameter of 27.3 mm.
Gold Fifty Pence coins
Aside from producing the currency coins, The Royal Mint has also produced a number of gold fifty pence coins. Celebrating and commemorative the anniversaries of key British events or specific people, these rare proof quality coins are highly collectable.
The first gold proof fifty pence coin was minted in 1992 (and again in 1993) to celebrate the completion of the European Single Market, and production of this type of coin has continued almost annually since then, with some years seeing multiple releases in various series. Examples include the Women’s Social and Political Union (2003), Samuel Johnson (2005) and the London 2012 Olympics.
When the size of the currency coin was reduced in 1997, the Proof gold issues were also reduced. Older coins contained 24.126 grams of gold and were 30mm in diameter, but newer coins contain 14.2083 grams of gold and followed the currency coin to 27.3mm.
Collectible 50p coins
The Royal Mint also produces a number of other collectable fifty pence coins in base metals and occasionally Proof silver. Recent years have seen popular designs such as the Beatrix Potter series in 2016-18, and the Stephen Hawking coin for 2019.
Although collectable, it should be noted these coins are not gold or silver bullion coins and are not intended as investment coins. Made to a ‘Brilliant Uncirculated’ quality – higher than 50p coins you’d find in your loose change – they are typically still a copper-nickel alloy. Their value is realised in the unique design and limited mintage, opposed to an intrinsic metal value.
Coin photos courtesy of Amanda Slater via Flickr & Creative Commons license.
- How To Buy Gold
- How to Buy?
- Payment Options
- Delivery Options
- Gold Storage
- Storage at Brink's
- Gold Investment Guide
- Why buy gold?
- Is gold a good investment?
- Best Time to Buy Gold
- Why Physical Gold?
- Gold Bars vs Coins?
- Gold vs Silver
- Gold - Silver Ratio explained
- VAT on bullion
- Capital Gains Tax & Gold Bullion
- UK Legal Tender Coins
- Top 5 Gold Investments
- Top 5 Silver Investments
- Gold vs ISAs
- Gold vs Buy-to-Let
- Gold vs FTSE 100
- Gold vs Bitcoin
- Where to buy gold?
- Why buy from us?
- Where to sell gold?
- Coin Shops
- Gold Price Forecasts
- Top 10 Gold Producers
- Top 10 Gold Reserves
- Gold Britannia vs Sovereign
- Britannia coin designs
- Sovereign coin designs
- Sovereign Mintages
- Sovereign mint marks
- British coin specs
- What is a proof coin?
- Royal Mint bullion
- The Queen's Beasts
- Royal Mint Lunar Coins
- Bullion Refiners
- British coin mints
- Krugerrands
- Gold Tola - India & Pakistan
- Bullion Index
