British and World Coins

Elizabeth II (1952-2022), Decimal issues, Trial 50 Pence, uncertain series, undated, on a circular cupro-nickel flan, Tower Mint logo, rev. numerical mark of value, edge plain, 24mm, 7.01g/12h. Virtually as struck, of the highest rarity and believed the only specimen known £200-£260

DNW Auction 27, 1 October 1996, lot 559 (part); Joanna Tansley Collection, DNW Auction 67, 28 September 2005, lot 427; DNW Auction 75, 26 September 2007, lot 589

Although this piece resembles the style of the 1963 series trials, the weight bears no relation to any of the pieces in it. The vendor in 2005 was of the opinion that it may owe its existence to the fact that the shape of the 50p coin was the subject of considerable debate. In the appendix to the government report, Decimal Currency in the United Kingdom (HMSO, 1966), the suggested size for the 50p was circular and 30mm; perhaps this piece dates to that time.