50th anniversary of the 50p – Page 2

Vote for your favourite 50p coins from the last 50 years!

By Rachel | January 30, 2019 |

This year the 50p celebrates 50 years since its introduction in 1969, when it was released as the first coin in the new decimal series.

In 1967, the Deputy Master of The Royal Mint approached the Decimal Currency Board to discuss the introduction of a new coin as a more economical replacement for the 10 shilling note or ’10 bob’, which was only lasting 5 months in circulation at the time, compared to the 50 year lifespan of a coin. With much difficulty and debate to decide upon the best shape, the seven sided design was finally chosen (the first of its kind) and released 2 years later.

The original reverse was designed by Christopher Ironside and featured the seated Britannia alongside a lion. This coin was issued between 1969 and 2008, after which The Royal Mint held a public competition to redesign the reverse of UK coins, with Matthew Dent’s winning shield design featuring on the reverse of definitive 50p coins since.

Vote for your favourite 50p coin!

There have been over 70 designs released on UK 50p coins over the last 50 years, and their longevity is testament to the 50 year lifespan claimed by the Deputy Master of The Royal Mint.

But with so many different 50p designs being issued, which one is your favourite?

We’ve split the coins up into the 4 categories below so that you can vote for your favourite from each before choosing an overall winner out of the top 4 shortlisted.

Click on the links below to vote for each category:

We’ll announce the top 4 coins shortlisted and give you the chance to vote for your favourite overall 50p coin next week.

If you’re interested in coin collecting, our Change Checker web app is completely free to use and allows users to:

– Find and identify the coins in their pocket
– Collect and track the coins they have
– Swap their spare coins with other Change Checkers

Posted in 50p Coins, Blog Home, Coin Info, Coin News