The 1996 British 2 Pence Coin: History and Characteristics
Two-pence coins were first minted on February 15, 1971. Initially, they were made of bronze with a copper content of up to 97%. This practice continued until 1992.
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Two-pence coins were first minted on February 15, 1971. Initially, they were made of bronze with a copper content of up to 97%. This practice continued until 1992.
| Period | Material | Composition |
| 1971-1992 | Bronze | 97% copper |
| 1992-present | Copper-plated steel | 93% steel, 7% copper |
Two-pence coins were first minted on February 15, 1971. Initially, they were made of bronze with a copper content of up to 97%. This practice continued until 1992.
From 1992, the material of the coin was changed. New specimens were made from steel and plated with copper. This change was made to reduce production costs. Only in 1998 was a small number of coins issued in the old-style bronze.
The change in material also led to a change in the coin's thickness: it increased from 1.85 mm to 2.03 mm, while the diameter and weight remained the same. As of December 2005, there were 6.4 billion such coins in circulation.
The reverse of the coin features the Badge of the Prince of Wales, designed by artist Christopher Ironside. The central element is a coronet adorned with three ostrich feathers. Below the badge is a ribbon with a motto in German, which translates to "I serve."
A stylized image of the fleur-de-lis is often used as an ornament or an emblem of belonging to various societies. At the top of the coin is the inscription "TWO PENCE," and at the bottom is the number "2," indicating the denomination. A dotted border runs along the circumference of the coin.
From 1971 to 1981, the reverse of coins of this denomination was inscribed with "NEW PENCE" to mark the transition to the decimal currency system. Beginning in 1982, the inscription was changed to "TWO PENCE."
However, in 1983, an error occurred: a small number of coins were issued that still bore the old "NEW PENCE" inscription. Today, these specimens are quite rare and are valued by collectors much more highly than regular coins from the same year.
The obverse of the coin features the third crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. It was created by the sculptor Raphael Maklouf. The Queen's profile faces to the right.
In the portrait, Elizabeth II is depicted wearing the George IV State Diadem, as well as a necklace and earrings. This image is often used on paintings, stamps, and other currencies of Commonwealth countries.
Around the circumference of the coin is the Latin inscription: "ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 1996," which means "Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith, 1996." There is also a dotted border along the rim.
| Parameter | Value |
| Year of minting | 1996 |
| Material | Copper-plated steel |
| Mint | Llantrisant, United Kingdom |
| Mintage | 296,278,000 |
| Diameter | 25.91 mm |
| Thickness | 2.03 mm |
| Weight | 7.12 g |
| Edge | Smooth |
The 1996 2 pence coin has specific technical parameters. It was minted at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant.
The value of the coin depends on its condition and where it is sold. In markets and flea markets, its price is about 5 hryvnias, but on online platforms, the cost can be higher.
