UK 50p celebrates 75 years of the NHS
2023 marks 75 years of our NHS, and to celebrate, a UK 50p has been issued.
This coin may look familiar, and that’s because it featured in the 2023 Annual Coin Set released earlier this year, but now you can finally own it individually!
A closer look
The 2023 UK NHS 50p represents the nation’s appreciation for NHS workers and services, with an original design by Alice Lediard. The reverse design features key words associated with the NHS such as dedication, hope, support and compassion. The words ‘National Health Service 75’ can also be seen highlighted in the centre of the coin.
What’s more, The Royal Mint are donating 100% of the profit made from these coins to NHS Charities Together. Over 230 NHS Charities across the UK provide additional support and resources for both staff and patients.
What better way to say thank you for the last 75 years or service.
The nation’s service
Since it was established in 1948, the National Health Service has played a pivotal role in the lives of the British public. It provides millions of people with vital care and medical services. This was especially apparent in recent years during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
University of Liverpool Faculty of Health & Life Sciences from Liverpool, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Numismatic history of the NHS
This isn’t the first time the NHS has been celebrated on a UK coin…
1998 50th Anniversary of the NHS 50p
In 1998, a UK 50p was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the NHS.
The reverse design by David Cornell shows a pair of hands cupping rays of light along with the inscription ‘NHS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY’.
2018 A-Z ‘N’ NHS 10p
Almost 20 years later in 2018, the NHS 10p was released as part of the 26 coin A-Z 10p series.
The series celebrated all things British, so it’s no surprise that the NHS was chosen to represent the letter N. The reverse design shows a stethoscope wrapped around the letter N in the shape of a heart.
The A-Z 10ps have become some of the hardest UK circulation coins to find, with a mintage of only 304,000 per letter.
And that brings us to 2023 and the new 75th anniversary of the NHS 50p, which you can own in brilliant uncirculated quality.
Secure your 2023 UK 75 Years of the NHS Certified BU 50p
Your 2023 UK NHS 50p is presented in official Change Checker packaging so it’s safely preserved for generations to come. Secure yours here >>
When will the 50p coronation coin go into circulation?
Hi Vic, we’re not sure yet when the Coronation 50p is due to enter circulation. We’ll be sure to update you once we know more!
Kind regards, Kate
Do we know if it will go into circulation?
Hi Rowan, we haven’t been told that this coin will enter circulation, but we’ll be sure to update you if we hear differently.
I hope that helps,
Kate
Do we know whether this NHS 50p will be circulated please, ie: will we find it in our change? Likewise the Coronation coins please?
Thank you
Hi Peter, we haven’t been told that this coin will enter circulation, but we’ll be sure to update you if we hear differently.
I hope that helps,
Kate