Table of Contents
What shape is a 50p piece?
While this design may have been traditional, the shape of the new 50p coin, an equilateral curve heptagon, was revolutionary. This made it easily distinguishable from round coins both by feel and by sight, while its constant breadth allowed it to roll in vending machines.
How many 50 pence designs are there?
There are currently 100 United Kingdom 50p coin designs dated 1997 to 2021. 71 different fifty pence coins are in circulation and can be found in your change. 29 of the 50ps shown were issued as commemorative coins not for circulation.
What shape is a 20p?
equilateral curve heptagon
The 50p (and the 20p) are in the shape of an equilateral curve heptagon. This means that every side of the coin is the same length (equilateral), the line between each of the points is rounded (curved), and the two coins have seven sides (a heptagon).
Why are British coins different shapes?
The reason for the use of this particular family of shapes (the simplest of which is named after German engineer Franz Reuleaux) is that, like a circle, they have constant width; that is the perpendicular distance between two pairs of parallel tangents is the same no matter where on the shape’s boundary that tangent is …
Is the Tom Kitten 50p worth anything?
Collector Value: £1.25 is a mid-point price for Tom Kitten 50p coins marked as sold on eBay UK. The price range for a good condition circulated example of this 50p coin is between £1.15 and £1.55. Coin values based on 189 eBay sales selected from data collected 19/01/2021 19:54:07.
Why does a 50p have 7 sides?
Early trial pieces of the 50p included ten and twelve-sided versions; a square coin with rounded corners was even suggested. Ultimately, the seven-sided design was preferred as it was easily distinguishable from other coins both by feel and by sight, and as a coin of constant width its shape allows it to roll smoothly.
What shape is a 1p coin?
circular
Shapes of coins The 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p and £2 coins are circular. Some coins have curved edges.