Fifty pence (British coin)

The British decimal fifty pence coin (often shortened to 50p in writing and speech) is a denomination of sterling coinage worth 1⁄2 of one pound. Its obverse features the profile of the current Monarch since the coin's introduction in 1969. As of October 2022, five different royal portraits have been used.

Fifty pence
United Kingdom
Value£0.50
Mass
  • (1969–1994) 13.5 g
  • (1997–pres.) 8.0 g
Diameter
  • (1969–1994) 30.0 mm
  • (1997–pres.) 27.3 mm
Thickness
  • (1969–1994) 2.5 mm
  • (1997–pres.) 1.78 mm
EdgePlain
CompositionCupro-nickel
Years of minting1969–present
Obverse
DesignQueen Elizabeth II
DesignerJody Clark
Design date2015
Reverse
DesignSeated Britannia alongside a lion
DesignerChristopher Ironside
Design date1969
Design discontinued2008
DesignSegment of the Royal Shield
DesignerMatthew Dent
Design date2008

As of March 2013 there were an estimated 920 million 50p coins in circulation. The coin has proved popular with coin collectors leading to numerous differing designs for both commemorative and circulating coins.

Fifty pence coins are legal tender for amounts up to the sum of £10 when offered in repayment of a debt; however, the coin's legal tender status is not normally relevant for everyday transactions.

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