50 New Pence Coin?

[Siracusa8]

In my change after shopping, I discovered a 50p coin that seemed, and was bigger than another one. The larger one has the number 50 and 'NEW PENCE round the Britannia side of the coin and is dated 1969. A smaller, 1997 50p coin has just FIFTY PENCE on the coin. Was the 1969 one just a trial run for decimalisation in 1970 and was it ever legal tender? Does any one have an answer? thanks in advance

[grasscarp]

Pre 1998 are no longer legal tender

[Psybbo]

Grass, that can't be right, I've got two 1997

[Mamyalynne]

In 1997 the 50p coin was reduced in size and the older coins were removed from circulation.

[Old_Geezer]

I seem to recall 50p coins used to be slightly larger than they are now.

[grasscarp]

Just to add to my answer
50p coin was replaced on 1 September 1997 and the old (larger) coins demonetised on 28 February 1998

[Mamyalynne]

Not attracting much interest on Ebay either...


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRITISH-50P-COIN-1969-ROYAL-BRITANNIA-SEVEN-SIDED-FIFTY-PENCE-COIN-/380833014199

[grasscarp]

so Psybbo 1997 can be either the new coin or also appear on the larger now withdrawn one

[ummmm]

I remember the new smaller 50p coin being introduced.

[Buenchico]

You must have been very much in love around the end of 1997. I can't think of any other reason why you could have failed to notice that the new 50p pieces, issued from 1st September onwards, were smaller than the previous ones!

http://www.royalmint.com/discover/uk-coins/coin-design-and-specifications/fifty-pence-coin

[grasscarp]

ummm - I have a farthing collection and used to get them from a local sweetshop after they were withdrawn.

[ummmm]

I used to have a £5 coin but I lost it....

[grasscarp]

by the way - Royal Mint coins never lose their value. Demonetised coins may be exchanged at face value for current coins provided at least £1 worth of such coins are offered. So all you have to do now is find another one.

[Butterbun]

Or donate to a charity shop. The Bank will accept it from them.

[petal54]

there are some new coins being introduced,I think.