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 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 during from 01/04/13 to 31/03/14