Coin
50 Pence - Elizabeth II 4th portrait; WWF (2011) — United Kingdom
United Kingdom • 2011 • KM# 1196, Sp# H35
Overview
A Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) 50 Pence coin of the United Kingdom from 2011, produced in a mintage of 104,741 pieces. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the World Wildlife Fund, the obverse features Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, while the reverse shows WWF icons by Matthew Dent.
Specifications
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Year
- 2011
- Composition
- Copper-nickel
- Weight
- 8 g
- Diameter
- 27.3 mm
- Thickness
- 1.78 mm
- Mint
- Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom
- Shape
- Equilateral curve heptagon (7-sided)
- Technique
- Milled
- References
- KM# 1196, Sp# H35
- Issuer
- United Kingdom
Design details
Obverse
Fourth crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, legend around.
Reverse
A selection of stylised icons to represent the various facets of the WWF and icons representing the human impact.
Collector insights
- Design heritage: Ian Rank-Broadley, Matthew Dent is credited as the designer for the Circulating commemorative 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 104,741. 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# 1196, Sp# H35. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.
Curator Insights
Historical context
In 2011, the Royal Mint issued this commemorative 50 pence piece to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). This release coincided with a period of increased environmental awareness in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. The coin was integrated into the existing decimal currency system as a legal tender commemorative issue.
Design heritage
The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley’s fourth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, a standard for British coinage during this era. The reverse, designed by Matthew Dent, utilizes a complex arrangement of 50 distinct icons representing global biodiversity and human environmental impact. Dent is also notable for designing the 2008 definitive 'shield of arms' series for the Royal Mint.
Varieties and technical notes
This specific issue was struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge and the characteristic seven-sided equilateral curve heptagon shape. As a Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) issue, collectors should look for crisp strikes and the absence of the bag marks typically found on circulation counterparts. Standard alignment for this period is medal orientation.
Survival and modern availability
With a mintage of 104,741 for the Brilliant Uncirculated version, this coin is significantly scarcer than standard circulating 50 pence pieces. Many were sold in dedicated commemorative presentation packs, which has helped preserve their condition. The survival rate for high-grade specimens remains high due to their initial distribution as collector items rather than general circulation currency.
Related pieces
More from United Kingdom
Other 50 Pence - Elizabeth II 4th portrait; WWF issues
Explore more
Browse more items in the full catalog or view United Kingdom in the country guide.