1998 NHS 50p

Circulating mintage:

5,001,000

Years of issue:

1998

Coin Information:

Issued to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of health secretary Aneurin Bevan establishing the National Health Service in 1948. The principle aim was to provide a health service available to all and financed entirely from taxation. The coin was designed by David Cornell, who is most famous for his Diana Princess of Wales Memorial £5 coin design.

Available in Silver Proof

The 1998 NHS 50p coin was issued by the Royal Mint to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Health Service (NHS), which was founded in 1948. It is a significant coin for collectors and those interested in British history.

Design

• The reverse design, created by David Cornell, features a pattern of radiating lines symbolizing growth, expansion, and progress, with the inscription:
  

  “FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 1948–1998 NHS 50 PENCE”

• The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, which was used on UK coins from 1998 to 2015.

Specifications

• Diameter: 27.3mm
• Weight: 8.00g
• Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)
• Shape: Heptagonal (7-sided)

Mintage & Rarity

• Total mintage: 5,001,000 coins were released into circulation.

Historical Significance

This coin celebrates the NHS, one of the UK’s most important institutions, providing free healthcare since its establishment in 1948. The design reflects the growth and importance of the NHS over five decades.