2021 50th Anniversary of Decimal Day Gold Proof 50 Pence Coin

2021 50th Anniversary of Decimal Day Gold Proof 50 Pence Coin

There are two gold proof versions of this coin. This is the 'normal' gold proof coin and sold out within minutes on the day of release, probably due to the low mintage. We also have the strike-on-the-day gold proof version in stock, which was struck on 15th February 2021 - the 50th anniversary of Decimal Day.

This special gold coin celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Decimal Day. Issued by The Royal Mint, this coin weighs 15.5 grams and is struck from 22 carat gold. 

These gold 50p coins come issued in luxury wooden presentation boxes and are accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity from The Royal Mint. 

Only 474 coins of these coins have been minted.

Decimal Day

Decimal Day, the day in which the UK switched from £sd to decimal coinage, took place on 15th February 1971. The government prepared for the massive change by withdrawing some denominations of coins and notes prior to the 1971 launch day. They also introduced fifty pence coins a couple of years earlier, in 1969.

In order to acquaint the general public to the new denominations of coins, special packs were issued featuring the new half penny, penny, two pence, five pence and ten pence coins. 

The obverse features the Jody Clark coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This is the fifth portrait of the Queen to feature on UK coins. 

2021 ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE

Interestingly, the Decimal Day 50p coins in the 2021 Annual Coin Set feature the second coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin.

The reverse was designed by Royal Mint graphic designer, Dominique Evans. The design shows overlapping sections of the pre-decimal UK coins, including a florin (two shilling), shilling, sixpence, threepence, penny, half penny and farthing. The centre of the coin says:

1971 DECIMAL DAY