Coin

½ Penny - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait (1983) — United Kingdom

United Kingdom • 1983 • KM# 926, Sp# A2

½ Penny - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait (1983) — United Kingdom

Overview

Standard circulation coin from the United Kingdom, ½ Penny denomination, minted in 1983 (BU issue).

Specifications

Country
United Kingdom
Year
1983
Composition
Bronze
Weight
1.78 g
Diameter
17.14 mm
Thickness
1.07 mm
Mint
Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
References
KM# 926, Sp# A2
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. Lettering: ELIZABETH-II D-G-REG-F-D-1982

Reverse

Central crown of St. Edward, denomination in letters above and numerals below. Lettering: HALF 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. 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 637,100. 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# 926, Sp# A2. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

Curator Insights

Historical context

In 1983, the British decimal half penny was nearing the end of its functional life as inflation diminished its purchasing power. Despite this, the Royal Mint continued production of the denomination to facilitate small-change transactions until the coin was eventually demonetized in December 1984. This specific year represents a stable period for the pound sterling following the 1971 decimalization transition.

Design heritage

The obverse features the second official decimal portrait of Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin, characterized by the 'Girls of Great Britain and Ireland' tiara. Christopher Ironside provided the reverse motif, which utilizes the Crown of St. Edward as a singular heraldic symbol. The design maintains the aesthetic consistency established at the start of the decimal era while utilizing a plain edge and bronze composition.

Varieties and technical notes

Standard business strikes occur primarily with a plain edge and a round shape, consistent with the 1.78 gram weight specification. Collectors should inspect pieces for proof-like luster, as many high-quality examples originate from annual mint sets rather than high-velocity circulation. No significant die errors or major varieties are widely recorded for this specific low-mintage year, though minor striking hub differences may occur.

Survival and modern availability

With a mintage of 637,100, this date is significantly scarcer than the high-volume emissions of the early 1970s. Because the denomination was demonetized shortly after this issue, many entered commercial scrap bins or were returned for melting. High-grade specimens are often sourced from uncirculated year sets rather than change, as circulation attrition was high during the coin's final years of legal tender status.

More from United Kingdom

Other ½ Penny - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait issues

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