2021 8 gram Great Britain The 50th Anniversary of Decimal Day Cupro-Nickel BU Coin

On 15 February 1971, the United Kingdom made a monumental change to its currency, switching from the ancient system of pounds, shillings and pence to a new, decimal system. The day itself became known as Decimal Day and was a landmark moment for Britain and The Royal Mint, who struck billions of new coins for the changeover.

Far from being an overnight switch, decimalisation took years of careful planning, a new factory and machinery, new production techniques and processes, and a huge information campaign. Five decades later we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Decimal Day with a new 50p coin, featuring a reverse design created by Dominque Evans, a graphic designer at The Royal Mint, and Jody Clark’s definitive portrait of Her Majesty The Queen on the obverse.

Inspired by the currency that was replaced in 1971, the reverse design conveys the transition from pre-decimal to decimal coins. The coin is available as a gold Proof Piedfort, silver Proof Piedfort, gold Proof, silver Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated edition.

Key Feature 

• A 50p coin to mark 50 years since big change for the United Kingdom’s coinage
• Struck to Brilliant Uncirculated standard – a finer finish than circulating coins
• See which pre-decimal coins you can spot on this commemorative 50p coin
• An official United Kingdom coin, approved by Her Majesty The Queen
• Presented in a fold-out wallet full of Decimal Day facts
• Learn about the coins that launched in 1971 and the special portrait they featured