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9 June 1982
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21.4mm
5.0grms
1.7mm
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Cupro-nickel 84% copper,16% nickel |
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Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen
1982-1984 Arnold Machin
1985- 1997 Raphael Maklouf
1998 to date Ian Rank-Broadley
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A crowned double rose, the Badge of England
William Gardener
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Plain |
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By the end of the 1970's it had become apparent that the new decimal coinage was in need of change because it was widely regarded as much too heavy. After a review of the coinage, it was proposed that the introduction of a 20p piece would substantially reduce the weight of coins in the system by decreasing the number of 10p coins in use.
To help identification and avoid confusion with similar sized coins the 20p is seven sided and like the 50p an equilateral curve heptagon. The shape, with its constant rolling diameter, means that it is readily acceptable in vending machines.
As at 31 December 2005 it is estimated that there were 2,190 million coins in circulation.
The 20p coin is legal tender for amounts up to �10.
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| Crown Copyright Royal Mint |
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Last Updated: 01/07/2008
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