UK 5p coin
A UK 5p coin is the five-pence denomination of the decimal pound sterling circulation coinage.
Also known as: British 5p coin, five pence coin
How big is it?
1.8 cm · specified diameter
Also 0.709 in
Specified diameter · specified
Format: Smaller format, cupro-nickel reference. UK 5p coin: 18 mm (0.709 in) in diameter, 1.7 mm (0.067 in) cupro-nickel reference thickness, and 3.25 g in mass. Diameter measures across the face, not the edge thickness. See the dime versus UK 5p comparison.
Smaller UK 5p format introduced in June 1990: 18 mm diameter and 3.25 g mass. The 1.7 mm thickness is used here as a cupro-nickel reference, not a verified nickel-plated steel specification. The Mint lists 1.7 mm without separating materials; secondary references report 1.89 mm for steel, so steel thickness remains unresolved here. The material change in 2012 was separate from the 1990 size reduction; cupro-nickel coins remained legal tender during the replacement programme.
Check UK 5p coin material and older-format differences. Compare UK and US coin dimensions.
A little perspective
UK 5p coin vs US dime: diameter comparison
The diameter of a UK 5p coin is about 1.01 times the diameter of a US dime.
A UK 5p coin is the five-pence denomination of the decimal pound sterling circulation coinage.
A US dime is a ten-cent coin, the smallest denomination in US currency above the penny and nickel.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
UK 5p coin
Specified diameter: 1.8 cm; specified.
Smaller UK 5p format introduced in June 1990: 18 mm diameter and 3.25 g mass. The 1.7 mm thickness is used here as a cupro-nickel reference, not a verified nickel-plated steel specification. The Mint lists 1.7 mm without separating materials; secondary references report 1.89 mm for steel, so steel thickness remains unresolved here. The material change in 2012 was separate from the 1990 size reduction; cupro-nickel coins remained legal tender during the replacement programme.
Royal Mint — 5p specifications and format history
The marked specified diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
US dime
Diameter: 1.791 cm; specified.
Standard copper-nickel clad US dime: 17.91 mm diameter, 1.35 mm thickness and 2.268 g mass. Earlier silver dimes do not share this mass.
US Mint — circulating coin specifications
The marked diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
Change your perspective
Put it next to…
Choose a suggestion to redraw the comparison, or open its page to learn what it is.
Why this measurement?
Why we use 1.8 cm
We compare the diameter of a UK 5p coin. This value follows a stated specification; check its scope in the notes.
Smaller UK 5p format introduced in June 1990: 18 mm diameter and 3.25 g mass. The 1.7 mm thickness is used here as a cupro-nickel reference, not a verified nickel-plated steel specification. The Mint lists 1.7 mm without separating materials; secondary references report 1.89 mm for steel, so steel thickness remains unresolved here. The material change in 2012 was separate from the 1990 size reduction; cupro-nickel coins remained legal tender during the replacement programme.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 mm (0.709 in) | Not recorded | specified - Smaller format, cupro-nickel reference | |
| 1.7 mm (0.067 in) | Not recorded | specified - Smaller format, cupro-nickel reference | |
| 3.25 g | Not recorded | specified - Smaller format, cupro-nickel reference |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueEveryday objectsUS dime1.791 cmDiameterA US dime is a ten-cent coin, the smallest denomination in US currency above the penny and nickel.
Around the same scaleEveryday objectsUK 10p coin2.45 cmSpecified diameterA UK 10p coin is the ten-pence denomination of the decimal pound sterling circulation coinage.
Nearest higher valueEveryday objects£1 coin2.343 cmSpecified maximum diameterA £1 coin is a twelve-sided British coin used as standard currency in the United Kingdom.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- Royal Mint — 5p specifications and format historySmaller format introduced June 1990: 18 mm diameter, 3.25 g. Lists 1.7 mm thickness without a material-specific split; does not establish steel thickness here.
- UK 5p — material-specific and historical dimensions referenceSecondary reference: original diameter 23.59 mm; cupro-nickel thickness 1.7 mm, steel reported as 1.89 mm. The latter is not adopted as an official specification.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Everyday thingsUK 2p coin2.59 cmA UK 2p coin is the two-pence denomination of the decimal pound sterling circulation coinage.Everyday thingsUK 10p coin2.45 cmA UK 10p coin is the ten-pence denomination of the decimal pound sterling circulation coinage.Everyday things£1 coin2.343 cmA £1 coin is a twelve-sided British coin used as standard currency in the United Kingdom.Everyday thingsUS dime1.791 cmA US dime is a ten-cent coin, the smallest denomination in US currency above the penny and nickel.
Living thingsSea angel2 cmA sea angel is a small, transparent swimming sea slug with wing-like appendages, found in cold ocean waters.
PeopleHuman eyeball2.4 cmThe human eyeball is the globe-shaped organ that receives light and begins the process of vision.
Everyday thingsUS penny1.905 cmA US penny is a copper-plated coin worth one cent in United States currency.
Living thingsHoneybee1.5 cmA honeybee is a social insect that lives in a colony and gathers nectar and pollen from flowers.