A replacement for the ten-shilling note, the 50p coin entered circulation in October 1969. Featuring Christopher Ironside’s Britannia on its reverse, while this design may have been traditional, the shape, an equilateral curve heptagon, was revolutionary. Easy to distinguish from round coins by feel and by sight, its constant width ensured it still rolled smoothly in vending machines and parking meters.
 
In 1982, the inscription on the Britannia design was changed from ‘NEW PENCE’ to ‘FIFTY PENCE’. The original wording on the 50p was there to help people understand the new decimal system. Eleven years after the switchover it was no longer needed, hence the change.
 
This Silver 1969 coin is a prize addition to any coin collection especially due to its historcal significance.