British Twenty Pence (20p) Coin, Queen Elizabeth II
Coin/Bullion (Circulating Currency) · The Royal Mint, Llantrisant, Wales. Founded in 886 AD, it is the official mint of the United Kingdom and one of the world's most prestigious minting institutions.
Pattern: Standard Circulating Coinage - Fourth Portrait Obverse
Type
Coin/Bullion (Circulating Currency)
Maker
The Royal Mint, Llantrisant, Wales. Founded in 886 AD, it is the official mint of the United Kingdom and one of the world's most prestigious minting institutions.
Material
Cupro-nickel (84% Copper, 16% Nickel). This item contains no actual silver content despite its silver-colored appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.4mm; Weight: 5.0 grams; Thickness: 1.7mm. Seven-sided (heptagonal) shape.
Description
A standard circulating British twenty pence piece. Designed to replace the larger 20p precursors, it features a distinctive seven-sided shape. While silver in color, it is composed of a copper-nickel alloy intended for durability in commerce. The obverse depicts the mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, a staple of British pockets for over two decades.
Key Features
Heptagonal shape, cupro-nickel 'silver' appearance, Fourth Portrait of Elizabeth II, constant-breadth geometry.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel (84% Copper, 16% Nickel). This item contains no actual silver content despite its silver-colored appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish. Obverse features the Fourth Portrait ('Right-facing') of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley. The edge is plain and the shape is an equilateral curve heptagon.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Inscribed 'ELIZABETH II D·G·REG·F·D·' (Elizabeth II by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith). No silver hallmarks are present as this is base-metal coinage.
Construction Details
Die-struck/Mass-produced via industrial minting presses on cupro-nickel planchets.
Functional Features
Equilateral curve heptagon shape (Reuleaux polygon) designed to have a constant diameter, allowing it to roll and be used in vending machines despite its non-circular shape.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Not applicable for coinage.
Craftsmanship Details
High-speed industrial striking. While precisely engineered for weight and diameter to satisfy bank sorting machines, it lacks the hand-finished artistry of proof silver coinage.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font style and spacing for Royal Mint strikes; appropriate wear patterns for a cupro-nickel base metal; distinctive 7-sided geometry and weight consistencies.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom; manufactured at The Royal Mint in Llantrisant, South Wales.
Era & Period
Modern British Era (Neoclassical coinage influence). The portrait style indicates production between 1998 and 2015.
Age Estimate
Circa 1998–2008 based on the portrait style and the lack of the Royal Shield reverse design (assuming standard obverse/reverse pairing).
Cultural Significance
A fundamental element of British decimal currency and daily trade. It represents the transition of the Monarchy's image through the decades on state-issued tender.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Fair. Visible heavy surface wear, 'bag marks' (small nicks from contact with other coins), and significant oxidation/grime buildup. The details of the Queen's hair and the lettering show smoothing from use.
Value Estimate
Face value: £0.20 GBP (Approx. $0.25 USD). No significant numismatic premium due to high mintage and heavily circulated condition.
Care & Maintenance
No specialized care required for circulating cupro-nickel. Do not use silver polish as it will not react with the nickel alloy. Simple soap and water can remove surface grime.
Similar Pieces
British 50 pence coin (larger, same shape); Pre-decimal Silver Shilling (actual silver content before 1947); International cupro-nickel 20-cent pieces.
Interesting Facts
The 20p was the first seven-sided coin introduced to the UK alongside the 50p. In 2008, a 'mule' error occurred where some 20p coins were minted without a date; those rare errors are highly valuable, unlike this standard specimen.