UK 50p Coins 1971-Now

Add to Your Coin Collection With Some UK 50p Coins

Ever since its introduction into circulation in 1969, UK 50p coins have remained in fairly regular use, with a total of 948 million of them estimated to be in circulation as of March 2014. The coin has undergone quite a few changes since its introduction and has had many special editions minted to commemorate certain important events over the last few decades. Unsurprisingly, with all of these many editions, you can build up your collection by shopping for pre-owned UK 50p coins from 1971 to now on eBay.

Size, weight, design, and metal content of a 50p coin

When it was originally minted in 1969, the UK 50p coin weighed 13.5 grammes and had a diametre of 30 millimetres. Since then, it has shrunk slightly. Current versions of the coin weigh only 8 grammes and are 27.5 millimetres in diameter.

The coin is made of cupronickel, which is an alloy of copper and nickel. Cupronickel alloys can differ, but the 50p coin uses one of 75% copper and 25% nickel. It is designed as an equilateral-curve heptagon, meaning that it is seven-sided and that its diametre is constant across any bisection of it. The front side features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Since 2008, the reverse side has featured a segment of the Royal Shield.

Some different versions of the UK 50p coin

There has been an enormous number of variations on the UK 50p coin produced over the years — far too many to make it possible to give a complete list. However, here are some versions that are especially rare:

  • 1973: The 1973 version commemorates the UK's entrance into the European Economic Community, featuring an inscription of the words "50 PENCE" and nine clasped hands surrounding the inscription and symbolising the members of the Community.
  • 1998: The 1998 version commemorates the 50th anniversary of the NHS.
  • 2018–2019: These versions feature Paddington Bear at St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, or the Station.
  • 2017–2018: These versions feature Beatrix Potter.
  • 2016: The 2016 version commemorates the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.
  • 2015: The 2015 edition celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
  • 1994: The 1994 version celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings.
What should you know before buying a pre-owned 50p coin?

Before setting out to buy vintage 50 pence coins on eBay, here are a few additional things that you should know:

  • Pricing: Pricing can vary depending on the version of the coin you want and the year of its mintage. Coins from earlier years will generally be more expensive than coins from later years. Within some given year, coin versions will vary in price depending on which versions are more or less coveted.
  • Storage and display: You should also be able to find album folders for sale on eBay in which to shop and display your coins.