British twenty-five pence coin
| United Kingdom | |
| Value | 25.0 pence sterling |
|---|---|
| Mass | 28.28 g |
| Diameter | 38.61 mm |
| Thickness | 2.5 mm |
| Edge | milled |
| Composition | 75% Cu, 25% Ni |
| Years of minting | 1971–1981 |
| Catalog number | - |
| Obverse | |
| Design | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Designer | Arnold Machin |
| Design date | 1963 |
| Reverse | |
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|
| Design | Lady Diana Spencer and Charles, Prince of Wales |
| Designer | Philip Nathan |
| Design date | 1981 |
The commemorative British decimal twenty-five pence (25p) coin was issued in four designs between 1972 and 1981. These coins were a post-decimalisation continuation of the traditional crown, with the same value of a quarter of a pound sterling. Uniquely in British decimal coinage, the coins do not have their value stated on them. This is because previous crowns rarely did so.
The coins were issued for commemorative purposes and were not intended for circulation, although they remain legal tender and must be accepted at Post Offices. The coins weigh 28.28 g (0.9092 oz troy) and have a diameter of 38.61 mm.
Twenty-five pence coin issues were discontinued after 1981 due to the prohibitive cost to the Royal Mint of producing such large coins with such small value. From 1990 the "crown" was revived as the commemorative five pound coin, having the same dimensions and weight but a value twenty times as great. The two can be distinguished because the five pound coin is marked with its value.
The following 25p coins were produced:
Obverse: The standard portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin with the inscription D·G·REG·F·D· ELIZABETH II.
Reverse: The initials EP crowned and with a floral garland, with a naked figure of Eros at the centre. The inscription reads: ELIZABETH AND PHILIP 20 NOVEMBER 1947 - 1972. This face was also designed by Arnold Machin.
Both faces are encircled by dots. The edge of the coin is milled. There were 7,452,000 cupronickel coins and 100,000 silver coins issued.
Obverse: A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II riding a horse, in a similar style to the 1953 crown celebrating her coronation. The inscription reads ELIZABETH·II DG·REG FD 1977.
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