United Kingdom 50 New Pence, 1969: A Beautiful and Historic Coin from the Decimalisation Period

Description:

This 50 New Pence coin from the United Kingdom was issued in 1969, during the decimalisation period. Decimalisation was the process of converting the British currency from the pound sterling system to the decimal system. The 50 New Pence coin was the highest denomination coin in circulation at the time.

The coin is made of cupro-nickel and has a Krause number of KM# 771. It is round and has a reeded edge. It weighs 10.69 grams and has a diameter of 30 millimeters.

The obverse of the coin features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom at the time. The reverse of the coin features the coat of arms of the United Kingdom, which consists of a shield divided into four quadrants. The first quadrant contains a lion, the second quadrant contains a unicorn, the third quadrant contains a harp, and the fourth quadrant contains a thistle. The shield is surmounted by a royal crown and surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves.

History of the Coin Period:

Decimalisation in the United Kingdom took place on 15 February 1971. Prior to decimalisation, the British currency was based on the pound sterling system, which was divided into 20 shillings and 240 pence. The decimalisation process converted the pound sterling system to the decimal system, with the pound sterling becoming the basic unit of currency and the new pence becoming the sub-unit of currency.

The United Kingdom 50 New Pence, 1969 coin was one of the first coins to be issued in the new decimal currency system. The coin was a popular choice for collectors, as it was a beautiful and historic coin that commemorated the decimalisation process.