First Issued | Smaller version - June 1990 (Larger version introduced 1968, demonetised 1990) |
Specifications (Since 1990) | |
Diameter | 18.0mm |
Weight | 3.25g |
Thickness | 1.7mm |
Composition | Nickel-plated steel (since January 2012) Cupro-nickel (prior to January 2012) (75% copper, 25% nickel) |
Obverse Designers | Portrait of Her Late Majesty The Queen 1990-1997 - Raphael Maklouf 1998-2015 - Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS 2015 to date - Jody Clark |
Reverse Designers |
1968-2008 - Christopher Ironside 2008 - Matthew Dent |
Edge | Milled |
Mintage | 378,800,750* |
Background Information
With the introduction of the decimal coinage in 1971, the pre-decimal one shilling coin was re-denominated as a 5p coin and these old shilling coins continued to circulate alongside the 5p coin until 1990.
After a review of the United Kingdom coinage in 1987, the Government announced its intention to issue a smaller 5p coin.
The 5p coin is legal tender for amounts up to £5.
*Mintage figure based on UK decimal coins issued into general circulation from 01/04/13 to 31/03/14.