2016 United Kingdom 50 Pence Coin, Fifth Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
Coin/Bullion · The Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales), the government-owned mint and oldest manufacturing institution in Great Britain under the Master of the Mint.
Pattern: Royal Shield of Arms (reverse layout, not visible) / Jody Clark Portrait (obverse)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
The Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales), the government-owned mint and oldest manufacturing institution in Great Britain under the Master of the Mint.
Material
Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel); notably not silver, despite the metallic appearance typical of British 'silver' coinage.
Dimensions
Diameter: 27.3mm; Weight: 8.00 grams; Shape: Equilateral-curve heptagon.
Description
A standard circulation 50 pence coin of the United Kingdom. This specimen shows the 2016 obverse featuring the mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. While appearing silver-colored, it is a base metal circulating coin used for modern commerce.
Key Features
Heptagonal shape, Jody Clark designer initials, Fifth portrait of the Queen, 2016 date stamp.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel); notably not silver, despite the metallic appearance typical of British 'silver' coinage.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck finish with the fifth definitive coinage portrait. Featuring the Queen wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem, designed by Jody Clark. Text: 'ELIZABETH II-DEI-GRA-REG-FID-DEF-2016'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not hallmarked as silver; it bears the standard minting stamps for British currency including the year 2016 and the initials 'J.C' below the portrait for designer Jody Clark.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through high-pressure die-striking on prepared cupro-nickel planchets.
Functional Features
Seven-sided shape designed for easy identification by touch and for compatibility with vending machine internal sensors (constant diameter).
Handle & Grip Details
Milled edges are absent; the coin features a plain, smooth edge typical of the 50p denomination.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial mass-production coinage craftsmanship; crisp die work but lacks the hand-finishing or high-relief details found in silver proof versions.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font, portrait accuracy for Jody Clark's design, proper date alignment, and characteristic cupro-nickel wear patterns.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom; minted at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Pontyclun, Wales.
Era & Period
Elizabethan (2015-2022) portrait period; specifically the Fifth Portrait era introduced to reflect the aging monarch.
Age Estimate
Dated 2016; approximately 8 years old.
Cultural Significance
A staple of British daily life and one of the most collected coin denominations in the UK due to frequent commemorative reverse designs.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; significant surface scratches, bag marks, and light oxidation/dirt in the recesses. Lacks mint luster. Grade: About Very Fine (Circulated).
Value Estimate
Face value (50 pence). No significant numismatic premium unless it features a rare reverse like the Kew Gardens design (not shown).
Care & Maintenance
For circulating coins, avoid harsh chemicals; warm water and mild soap are sufficient. Collectors should store in PVC-free flips to avoid 'green slime' chemical reactions.
Similar Pieces
1969-1981 large-sized 50p (different dimensions), Silver Proof 50p (actual silver content for collectors), 20p coin (smaller heptagon).
Interesting Facts
The 50p was the world's first seven-sided coin when introduced in 1969. The fifth portrait (shown) was the first time a Royal Mint employee (Jody Clark) designed the coinage portrait in over 100 years.