UK 50p coin
A UK 50p coin is the seven-sided fifty-pence denomination of the decimal pound sterling circulation coinage.
Also known as: British 50p coin, fifty pence coin
How big is it?
2.73 cm · specified maximum diameter
Also 1.075 in
Specified maximum diameter · specified
Format: Smaller format, cupro-nickel. UK 50p coin: 27.3 mm (1.075 in) maximum span, 1.78 mm (0.070 in) thick, and 8 g in mass. Diameter measures across the face, not the edge thickness.
Check UK 50p coin material and older-format differences. Compare UK and US coin dimensions.
A little perspective
UK 50p coin vs UK £2 coin: diameter comparison
The diameter of a UK £2 coin is about 1.04 times the maximum diameter of a UK 50p coin.
A UK 50p coin is the seven-sided fifty-pence denomination of the decimal pound sterling circulation coinage.
A UK £2 coin is the bimetallic two-pound denomination of the pound sterling circulation coinage.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
UK 50p coin
Specified maximum diameter: 2.73 cm; specified.
Smaller cupro-nickel UK 50p introduced on 1 September 1997: 27.3 mm maximum span, 1.78 mm thickness and 8 g mass. The larger predecessor was withdrawn in 1998, not on the introduction date. Its equilateral-curve heptagon has constant breadth.
Royal Mint — 50p specifications and format history
The marked specified maximum diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
UK £2 coin
Specified diameter: 2.84 cm; specified.
Bimetallic UK two-pound circulation format: 28.4 mm diameter, 2.5 mm thickness and 12 g mass. Bimetallic means an outer ring and inner disc; earlier single-metal or collector issues are not the comparison input.
Royal Mint — bimetallic £2 specifications
The marked specified diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 2.73 cm
We compare the maximum diameter of a UK 50p coin. This value follows a stated specification; check its scope in the notes.
Smaller cupro-nickel UK 50p introduced on 1 September 1997: 27.3 mm maximum span, 1.78 mm thickness and 8 g mass. The larger predecessor was withdrawn in 1998, not on the introduction date. Its equilateral-curve heptagon has constant breadth.
The marked horizontal span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27.3 mm (1.075 in) | Not recorded | specified - Smaller format, cupro-nickel | |
| 1.78 mm (0.070 in) | Not recorded | specified - Smaller format, cupro-nickel | |
| 8 g | Not recorded | specified - Smaller format, cupro-nickel |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueEveryday objects£1 coin2.343 cmSpecified maximum diameterA £1 coin is a twelve-sided British coin used as standard currency in the United Kingdom.
Around the same scaleEveryday objectsUK 20p coin2.14 cmSpecified maximum diameterA UK 20p coin is the seven-sided twenty-pence denomination of the decimal pound sterling circulation coinage.
Nearest higher valueEveryday objectsUK £2 coin2.84 cmSpecified diameterA UK £2 coin is the bimetallic two-pound denomination of the pound sterling circulation coinage.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- Royal Mint — 50p specifications and format historySmaller format introduced 1 September 1997, larger format demonetised 1998: 27.3 mm maximum span, 1.78 mm thickness and 8 g.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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