Decimal Coins of the UK
by Tony Clayton
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Decimal Coins of the UKby Tony Clayton |
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Decimal Two Pence <<-- : -->> Decimal Ten Pence
Values of Decimal 5p and 10p coins
Pictures of Decimal Five Pence Coins on www.ukcoinpics.co.uk
The five pence coin initially weighed 5.65 grams and had a diameter of 23.59 mm, identical in this respect to the shilling. In 1990 a new smaller version was introduced weighing 3.25g and 18.00 mm diameter.
There are six types of this coin. All are minted in cupronickel.
Obv: First Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D (date)
starting top right
Rev: Crowned Thistle, 5 below, NEW PENCE above
Issued from 1968 to 1981 (1972-1974, 1976 and 1981 in Proof only)
Obv: First Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D (date)
starting top right
Rev: Crowned Thistle, 5 below, FIVE PENCE above
Issued from 1982 to 1984 (All only obtainable from Mint and Proof sets).
Obv: Second Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D (date)
starting low left
Rev: Crowned Thistle, 5 below, FIVE PENCE above
Issued from 1985 to 1990 (1985-86 and 1990 only issued in Mint and Proof Sets).
Obv: Second Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D (date)
starting low left
Rev: Crowned Thistle, 5 below, FIVE PENCE above
Issued from 1990 to 1997 (1993 probably only issued in Mint and Proof Sets;
I have not seen one in circulation). The 1996 version exists as a silver proof.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D (date)
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.
Rev: Crowned Thistle, 5 below, FIVE PENCE above.
Issued from 1998 to 2008. All dates up to 2007 are in circulation.
At present 5p coins of this type dated 2008 are only available in proof and uncirculated Royal Mint sets.
Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D (date)
starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. No beading.
Rev: Central part of the Royal Arms, FIVE PENCE centrally.
To be issued from 2008. Not yet in circulation.
The full designation of the 1968 to 2008 reverse is 'The Badge of Scotland, a thistle royally crowned'. It was designed by Christopher Ironside.
With the reduction in size the old larger coins, along with the shillings that circulated alongside, were withdrawn from circulation, and demonetized with effect from 1st January 1991.
See my Main Coins Index page for acknowledgements
Main History Index
Previous page - Decimal Two Pence
Next page - Decimal Ten Pence
Values Index
Values of 5p and 10p coins.
Pictures of Decimal Five Pence Coins
Pictures Index
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