2p Coin
| First Issued | 15 February 1971 |
| Specifications | |
| Diameter | 25.9mm |
| Weight | 7.12g |
| Thickness | Bronze: 1.85mm Copper-plated steel: 2.03mm |
| Composition | Bronze (97% copper, 2.5% zinc, 0.5% tin) - until September 1992 Copper-plated steel - since September 1992, except in 1998 when the 2p was made in both alloys |
| Obverse Designers | Portrait of Her Late Majesty The Queen 1971-1984 Arnold Machin 1985-1997 - Raphael Maklouf 1998-2015 - Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS 2015 to date - Jody Clark |
| Reverse Designers |
1971-2008 - Christopher Ironside 2008 - Matthew Dent |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mintage | 40,600,000* |
Background Information
The United Kingdom 2p coin was introduced on 15th February 1971, with the creation of a new decimal currency system. The other two coins issued at this time were the 1/2p and 1p coins.
To avoid confusion between the old and new coinage, all three coins had the word 'NEW' incorporated into the reverse design. This was subsequently removed in 1982.
The first copper-plated steel 2p coins were struck in 1992. The reason for this change was the increase in the price of metals on the world markets. The coins have a mild steel core and are electroplated with copper - consequently, they are magnetic.
The 2p coin is legal tender for amounts up to 20p.
*Mintage figure based on UK decimal coins issued into general circulation from 01/04/13 to 31/03/14.
Mintage Figures: UK Circulating Coin
Mintage figures data for all denominations entering general circulation between 1968 and the present day.
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