Queen Elizabeth II’s reign witnessed a period of significant change for the United Kingdom that has had a lasting impact through to the modern day. Elizabeth II acceded to the throne in 1952 and went on to become the longest-reigning monarch in British history, with five definitive coinage portraits appearing on the UK’s circulating coins.

The 2p coin was one of the first denominations to be introduced into circulation following decimalisation in 1971. Along with the new 1p coins, the words ‘NEW PENCE’ were included on Christopher Ironside’s reverse designs to help the public distinguish between the new and old coins. This wording was eventually removed from the designs in 1982 and those designs have remained in circulation through to the modern day.

This coin is also available as part of The Making of Modern Britain Queen Elizabeth II Decimal Coin Bundle, which offers collectors the opportunity to own an example of each of the decimal denominations of Elizabeth II’s reign.

*Packaging Image is for example only