50 Pence 2020 - Withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit Coin)
By Coinsanduk | Wednesday, 17 April 2024
In 2020, over 338 million coins were released into circulation, including the new 50 Pence designs celebrating British Diversity and Withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit). 10 millions of each of the 50p designs were released into circulation.
The Brexit 2020 50 Pence coin features an inscription which reads Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations on the reverse. Unveiled by Chancellor Sajid Javid, it commemorates the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union.
Coins were only normally be struck as part of an organised tour, but the the Royal Mint opened its doors for 24 hours to let people strike their own Brexit coins.
Brexit 50 Pence being struck at the Royal Mint
Following a referendum on June 23, 2016, Brexit officially took place January 31, 2020 making the United Kingdom only country to have left the European Union. The word Brexit is a portmanteau of the phrase British exit.
Meltdown
The withdrawal, originally scheduled for March 29, 2019, was delayed by the deadlock in the British parliament after the June 2017 general election, which resulted in a hung parliament in which the Conservatives lost their majority but remained the largest party.
A previous batch of commemorative coins (estimated 1 million) had to be melted down after this. The text on the inscription has remained the same despite the change of dates which was March 29, 2019.
Comma
Proponents of the Oxford comma use it immediately before the coordinating conjunction (usually and or or) in a series of three or more terms, although its doubters tend to dismiss it as an Americanism that has no place in British writing.
After the coin's reveal, author Sir Philip Pullman led a rebellion over the comma:
The 'Brexit' 50p coin is missing an Oxford comma, and should be boycotted by all literate people.
Stig Abell, the editor of The Times:
Not perhaps the only objection, but the lack of a comma after prosperity is killing me.
Specifications and features
- Alloy: Cupro-nickel
- Diameter: 27.3 mm
- Weight: 8 g
- Thickness: 1.78 mm
- Edge: Smooth
- Die axis: ↑↑
- Designer: Jody Clark (obverse) and The Royal Mint engraving team (reverse
Uncirculated issues and special coins were also produced and sold by the Royal Mint including a Gold Piedfort (31 g / 22 k).
A one-year design was previously produced in 1973 for the 50 pence coins. It was issued to commemorate Britain's entry into the European Economic Community (EEC).
After Brexit, the Mint a two-coin set including the 50 pence 2020 Brexit and a 1973 50 pence coin.
This set marks the period between the United Kingdom joining the European Economic Community in 1973 and leaving the European Union in 2020.
- The Royal Mint
Top 10 rarest 50 Pence coins in circulation
- 210,000 - 2009 Kew Garden
- 1,129,500 - 2011 Olympic Wrestling
- 1,161,500 - 2011 Olympic Triathlon
- 1,161,500 - 2011 Olympic Judo
- 1,161,500 - 2011 Olympic Football
- 1,400,000 - 2018 Flopsy Bunny
- 1,400,000 - 2018 Peter Rabbit
- 1,454,000 - 2011 Olympic Tennis
- 1,615,500 - 2011 Olympic Goalball
- 1,615,500 - 2011 Olympic Shooting
As the Original Maker of UK coin, we are delighted to continue to play our part in telling the story of our nation with the 2020 circulating 50ps, charting British Diversity and the much-anticipated Withdrawal from the European Union. With a mintage of 10 millions, these are an accessible and exciting addition to the coins in our pockets, while The Kew Garden's 50p remains the rarest coin in circulation since 2009.
- The Royal Mint
50 Pence 2020 - Price Guide and Values
