Issued by the Royal Mint to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Decimal Day, this special Gold Proof 50p celebrates the historic transition to decimal currency in the United Kingdom on 15 February 1971.

What makes this release particularly sought after is the inclusion of the iconic Arnold Machin portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, paying tribute to the original decimal coinage introduced in 1971. The reverse by Dominique Evans features a detailed design incorporating elements of pre-decimal British coinage surrounding the inscription “1971 DECIMAL DAY”.

Certified by NGC as PF70 Ultra Cameo, the highest grade attainable, this example displays exceptional proof quality with deeply mirrored fields and frosted devices.

With a mintage of just 95 pieces worldwide, this is one of the rarest modern Royal Mint gold proof 50p releases.

Specification

Issuing Country: United Kingdom
Monarch: Elizabeth II (1952–2022)
Year: 2021
Denomination: Fifty Pence (50p)
Metal: 22 Carat Gold
Purity: 0.917 Fine Gold
Weight: 15.50g
Diameter: 27.30mm
Finish: Proof
Grading Service: NGC
Grade: PF70 Ultra Cameo
Obverse Designer: Arnold Machin
Reverse Designer: Dominique Evans
Mintage: 95 Pieces Worldwide
Presentation: Encapsulated in official NGC holder