1992 United Kingdom Ten Pence (10p) Coin, Second Portrait
Coin/Bullion (Circulated Currency) · The Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales). The Royal Mint is the government-owned mint that produces coins for the United Kingdom, with a history spanning over 1,100 years.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Coinage, Raphael Maklouf Portrait (Obverse)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Circulated Currency)
Maker
The Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales). The Royal Mint is the government-owned mint that produces coins for the United Kingdom, with a history spanning over 1,100 years.
Material
Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This is a common misconception; while it has a silvery appearance, it contains no actual silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.5mm; Weight: 6.5 grams; Thickness: 1.85mm. This is the smaller 'post-1992' version of the 10p coin.
Description
A standard circulation 1992 British ten pence coin. It features the elegant Raphael Maklouf portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Despite its bright metallic luster, it is composed of cupro-nickel, a base metal alloy designed for durability in commerce rather than precious metal value.
Key Features
The 1992 date signifies the transition from the large 28.5mm coin to this smaller 24.5mm version. The 'D.G.REG.F.D.' Latin abbreviation is a signature of British royal coinage.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This is a common misconception; while it has a silvery appearance, it contains no actual silver.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck finish with a beaded border. Obverse features the 'Third Portrait' of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the George IV State Diadem. The style is Contemporary Realism.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks. Inscriptions: 'ELIZABETH II', 'D.G.REG.F.D.' (Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensor), and the date '1992'. Designer's initials 'RDM' (Raphael Maklouf) are usually found at the neck truncation.
Construction Details
Mass-produced via industrial die-striking using high-pressure coinage presses on prepared metal blanks (planchets).
Functional Features
Milled edge (reeding) to prevent clipping and assist the visually impaired; legal tender for amounts up to five pounds.
Handle & Grip Details
None (Circular coin intended for handheld exchange).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial striking. The depth of the 'beading' around the rim and the crispness of the lettering are indicators of the Royal Mint's mechanical precision.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font rendering, beaded border alignment, and typical wear patterns for 75/25 cupro-nickel. Lack of silver hallmarks is correct for this denomination and era.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom, manufactured at the Royal Mint's facility in Llantrisant, South Wales.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century / Elizabethan Era. Introduced during the resizing of British coinage in the early 1990s.
Age Estimate
Dated 1992. This was the first year of issue for the smaller size 10p coin.
Cultural Significance
Represents the everyday economy of the United Kingdom in the 1990s. The portrait reflects the mid-reign image of the Queen used on all UK coins from 1985 to 1997.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition. Shows significant surface 'bag marks,' light scratches, and dings consistent with use in trade. Muted luster suggests it has been handled frequently. Overall: Good to Very Good (Numismatic Grade).
Value Estimate
Face value (£0.10). In collector circles, a standard circulated 1992 10p is worth approximately $0.15–$0.50 USD. It has no intrinsic melt value for silver.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with silver polish as it is not silver; simple soap and water is sufficient for base metal coins. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent 'greening' (verdigris).
Similar Pieces
1992 Silver Proof 10p (looks identical but has a mirror finish and is .925 sterling); Pre-1992 'Large' 10p coins; 1992 5p coins (smaller).
Interesting Facts
1992 was a pivotal year for the 10p, as the older, larger coins (dating back to the 1968 decimalization) were withdrawn from circulation in 1993 to make way for this smaller, lighter version.