British Ten New Pence Coin (10p)
Coin/Bullion · Royal Mint (United Kingdom)
Pattern: United Kingdom Decimal Coinage (10 New Pence Reverse)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Mint (United Kingdom)
Material
Cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel); contains no precious silver metal content
Dimensions
Diameter: approximately 28.5 mm; Weight: 11.31 grams; Thickness: 2.25 mm (for large-sized 10p issued between 1968 and 1992)
Description
This piece is a British decimal 10 New Pence coin made of cupronickel, introduced in 1968 ahead of full decimalisation in 1971 to replace the pre-decimal florin (two shillings). Designed by prominent sculptor Christopher Ironside, the reverse depicts the crowned lion, a traditional symbol of Great Britain, standing atop the Royal Crown.
Key Features
Crowned lion heraldic motif, 'NEW PENCE' inscription (indicating mintage between 1968 and 1981), large-format module (demonetised in 1993 following the release of the smaller 10p coin in 1992).
Material & Composition
Cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel); contains no precious silver metal content
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with a matte/satin luster, featuring a reeded edge and raised beaded rim. Reverse features Christopher Ironside's crowned lion passant guardant emblem with the numeral '10' and lettering 'NEW PENCE'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks present, as this is base-metal currency. Standard mint marks and inscriptions are struck into the coin surfaces.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/minted coin from cupronickel planchets using high-pressure coining presses at the Royal Mint.
Functional Features
Decimal circulating currency denomination; raised rim to protect internal design from wear; milled edge for tactile identification and anti-counterfeiting.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage form).
Craftsmanship Details
High-volume industrial minting technique by the Royal Mint featuring crisp detail reproduction from Master Dies designed by Christopher Ironside.
Authentication Indicators
Sharp relief strike, precise bead border, correct weight and composition signature for cupronickel coin, authentic Ironside typography.
Origin & Manufacturing
Llantrisant, Wales, United Kingdom (Royal Mint)
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (Decimalisation Era, introduced 1968, legal tender decimal transition 1971)
Age Estimate
Circa 1968–1981 (The 'NEW PENCE' legend was used on 10p coins from 1968 until 1981, after which it was changed to 'TEN PENCE').
Cultural Significance
Represents the pivotal transition of the United Kingdom from the centuries-old pounds, shillings, and pence system to the modern base-10 decimal currency system.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine circulated condition. Exhibits typical light surface scratches, edge nicking, and subtle tone changes consistent with pocket handling, but retains clear design details.
Value Estimate
Nominal collectible value ($0.25 to $1.00 USD) as a common circulated base-metal coin; no intrinsic precious metal melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a dry, cool environment inside an acid-free coin flip or capsule. Do not clean or polish with chemical silver polishes, as abrasive cleaning damages original mint luster.
Similar Pieces
Pre-1947 British Florin / 2 Shillings (50% silver), Pre-1920 British Florin (.925 sterling silver), Post-1982 'Ten Pence' coin (identical design but updated text), Modern small-size 10p coin (introduced 1992).
Interesting Facts
Though appearing silvery-white, British circulation 10p coins contained zero silver. Britain removed silver from its circulating currency in 1947, transitioning from 50% silver to 100% cupronickel due to post-WWII debts.