Coin

½ New Penny - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait (1980) — United Kingdom

United Kingdom • 1980 • KM# 914, Sp# A1

½ New Penny - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait (1980) — United Kingdom

Overview

United Kingdom ½ New Penny coin from 1980, Proof.

Specifications

Country
United Kingdom
Year
1980
Composition
Bronze (97% Cu, 2.5% Zn, 0.5% Sn)
Weight
1.78 g
Diameter
17.14 mm
Thickness
1.07 mm
Mint
Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date)
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
References
KM# 914, Sp# A1
Issuer
United Kingdom

Design details

Obverse

Second crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, legend around. Script: Latin. Lettering: ELIZABETH-II D-G-REG-F-D-1971. Unabridged legend: Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensatrix. Translation: Elizabeth II by the Grace of God Queen Defender of the Faith.

Reverse

Central crown of St. Edward, denomination in letters above and numerals below. Script: Latin. Lettering: NEW PENNY ½.

Collector insights

  • Design heritage: Arnold Machin (obverse), Christopher Ironside (reverse) is credited as the designer for the Standard circulation coins series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
  • Struck at: Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date). Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
  • Mintage vs. survival: A moderate mintage of 143,000. Grade rarity is usually the driver of value here — mid-grade circulated pieces are common, but original-surface uncirculated coins can command a strong premium.
  • Catalogue reference: Listed as KM# 914, Sp# A1. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

More from United Kingdom

Other ½ New Penny - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait issues

Explore more

Browse more items in the full catalog or view United Kingdom in the country guide.