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1998 European Union 50p

Original price was: £3.69.Current price is: £2.99.

Availability: In Stock

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1998 European Union 50p

Circulating mintage:

5,043,000

 

Years of issue:

1998

Coin Information:

The first “new sized” commemorative 50p was issued to commemorate 25 years of the UK in the EEC. Ireland and Denmark also joined Britain in becoming the newest members of the European Community in 1973, bringing the total number of member states to nine. Interestingly, in 1973 Britain’s joining of the EEC was the subject of Britain’s first-ever commemorative 50p.

Available in silver proof

 

The 1998 European Union 50p coin was issued by the Royal Mint to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the United Kingdom’s membership in the European Economic Community (EEC), which later evolved into the European Union (EU). This coin is a significant part of British numismatic history, as it celebrates the UK’s involvement in the European project before Brexit.

Design Details

  • Obverse (Front):

    • Features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley.
    • This portrait, introduced in 1998, shows a more mature depiction of the Queen compared to previous designs.
    • The inscription around the edge reads:
      “ELIZABETH II D.G. REG. F.D. 1998” (Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensor – Latin for “By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith”).
  • Reverse (Back):

    • Designed by John Mills, the coin’s reverse features a celebratory design of 12 stars arranged in a circle, representing the European Union, surrounding a single large star.
    • Beneath the design, the years “1973–1998” are displayed, marking the UK’s 25 years in the EEC/EU.

Coin Specifications

  • Denomination: 50 Pence
  • Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)
  • Weight: 8.00 grams
  • Diameter: 27.3mm
  • Shape: Heptagonal (7-sided)
  • Edge: Plain

Mintage & Rarity

  • Mintage for circulation: 5,043,000

 

 

  • This was the first commemorative 50p issued in the smaller 27.3mm size (the original 50p size was larger, but it was reduced in 1997).
  • It was one of the first UK coins to feature Ian Rank-Broadley’s Queen Elizabeth II portrait.

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