- Circulation: estimated at 10,000,000
- Year issued: 2020
- Value circulated: 50p
- Value circulated in excellent condition: TBC
- Value uncirculated: TBC
- Composition: cupro-nickel
- Scarcity index: TBC
The Brexit 50p is being issued on 31st January 2020, to commemorate the day the UK leaves the EU. This coin is a collectible item for anyone with an interest in Politics and history, and will be a popular choice for those who voted in the Referendum in 2016.
History of the coin
In 1971, the UK adopted the decimal currency system and this meant a whole new coin set had to be designed and minted. The new decimal coins included the 50p coin, which was first minted in 1969. This coin had an image of Britannia and was 7 sided.
The 50p has since had many designs and is used as a commemorative coin as well. Its size was reduced slightly in 1997, and in 2008 a new design was released as part of the Royal Shield which replaced Britannia.
About Brexit
In 2016 the UK held a referendum to decide whether or not the country should leave the European Union. The result was in favour of leaving and this became known as ‘Brexit’.
The UK first joined European Economic Community in 1972. Over the years the community has grown and it has taken on more responsibility and more members. In 1992 following the Maastricht Treaty, the European Communities became the European Union and the treaty gave them more control over the government of the member states.
Since then there have been campaigns to leave. A referendum was promised by the government and this was held on 23rd June 2016. In January 2020 the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill was signed, confirming that the UK would leave on 31st January 2020.
How many Brexit Day 50p coins were made?
3,000,000 Brexit 50p coins were released on 31st January 2020, with a further 7,000,000 to be released later in the year.
Design and Designer
- Front design:
The coin has the words ‘Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations’ and underneath is the date 31 January 2020.
- Obverse design:
The 5th portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark.
- Designer: The Royal Mint Design Team
The design on the coin was a collective design by the Royal Mint Design Team.
The quote they used, ‘Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations’ was based on a similar quote by Thomas Jefferson. In his first inaugural address he said ‘Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations.’
It is one of the few coins in circulation to have just writing as the design.
Variations
Circulation of the Brexit 50p began on 31st January 2020, and the initial release will be 3,000,000, with a further 7,000,000 to be released later in the year.
- Brilliant uncirculated coins are available
- 47,000 Silver Proof coins were produced
- 1,500 Gold Proof coins were produced.
