Top 5 Rarest UK twenty pence Coins Worth Big Money in U.S. Dollars Don_t Miss ....do you have.

Описание: The British twenty pence (20p) coin was first introduced in June 1982 as part of the United Kingdom’s decimal coinage system. Decimalisation had been adopted in 1971, replacing the old pounds, shillings, and pence system with 100 new pence to the pound. By the early 1980s, there was a recognized need for a denomination between the 10p and 50p coins to make everyday transactions easier.

The 20p filled that gap—helpful for change, bus fares, and vending machines.


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Design and Shape

Shape: Heptagonal (seven-sided) with an equilateral curve heptagon design, meaning it has seven sides of equal length and a consistent radius so it rolls smoothly in machines.

Material: Cupro-nickel (84% copper, 16% nickel).

Weight & Size: 21.4 mm across and 5 grams in weight.


This shape was already used in the 50p coin (1969), and the 20p followed suit for easy recognition.


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Obverse (Head Side)

The obverse of the coin has always featured the reigning monarch:

1. 1982–1984: Queen Elizabeth II, portrait by Arnold Machin.


2. 1985–1997: Updated portrait by Raphael Maklouf.


3. 1998–2015: Portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley.


4. 2015–present: Portrait by Jody Clark.




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Reverse (Tail Side)

The original reverse (1982–2008) was designed by William Gardner, featuring a Tudor Rose (symbol of England) with the value "20" superimposed, and the inscription “TWENTY PENCE.”

In 2008, as part of a redesign of UK coinage by Matthew Dent, the 20p reverse was changed to show part of the Royal Shield of Arms. When all the new coins from 1p to 50p are placed together, they form the full shield.


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Key Events in 20p History

1982: First issue of the 20p coin.

1992: 10p coin size reduced; 20p remained unchanged, which made it the second-largest “silver” coin in circulation.

2008: Introduction of the new shield design reverse.

2009–2010 “Mule Error” Coins: A batch of 20p coins was mistakenly struck with no date on either side (because the obverse and reverse designs were mismatched). These rare “undated 20p” coins became highly collectible, with some selling for hundreds of pounds.

2015 onwards: The obverse updated with Jody Clark’s effigy of Elizabeth II.

2022: Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, new obverse coins featuring King Charles III began to be produced, including the 20p.



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Collectability and Value

While most 20p coins are common and circulate widely, some varieties are collectible:

1982 first issue coins in uncirculated condition.

2008 undated mule error coins (the rarest modern UK coin).

Special proof or mint sets.



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Significance

The 20p coin is considered one of the most practical British coins. Its seven-sided shape is instantly recognizable, and it plays an important role in completing everyday transactions. Over more than 40 years, it has become a familiar part of UK currency and a symbol of the balance between tradition (Tudor Rose, Royal Shield) and modernization in British coinage.


Introduction and Purpose (1982): The 20p coin was first introduced in 1982 as part of efforts to reduce the weight of the UK's decimal coinage, specifically by decreasing the number of 10p coins in circulation.
Unique Design: Like the 50p coin, the 20p is a seven-sided equilateral curve heptagon, a shape chosen to aid identification and ensure compatibility with vending machines due to its constant rolling diameter.
Undated Error Coins (2008): A notable event in the 20p's history occurred in 2008 when a new reverse design was introduced, but some coins were mistakenly minted using an older obverse die, resulting in the omission of the date. These "undated 20p" coins are rare and sought after by collectors.
Portraits of the Monarch: Since its introduction, the 20p coin has featured different portraits of Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse side, reflecting changes in her effigy over the years.
Legal Tender Status: The 20p coin remains legal tender for amounts up to £10.
Importance of coins in history and culture.

Overview of the 20p coin’s place in the British decimal system.



2. Background: Evolution of British Coinage Before Decimalisation

Brief history of British currency before 1971 (pounds, shillings, pence system).

Complexity of the pre-decimal system.

Reasons behind decimalisation.



3. The Birth of Decimal Coinage (1971)

The switch from old money to new money.

Introduction of decimal coins (½p, 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 50p).

The gap between 10p and 50p that set the stage for the 20p.



4. Introduction of the Twenty Pence (1982)

Government and Royal Mint decision.

Design debates and final choice.

Launch date and initial pu

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