Mark an important chapter in recent British history with the 1992–93 United Kingdom Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Completion of the European Single Market 50p coin. This special larger-size 50p was issued to celebrate the UK’s role within the European Community and to mark the creation of the Single Market.

The reverse design by Mary Milner Dickens is rich in meaning. Seen from above, a conference table is shown with twelve chairs representing the Council of Ministers, with the United Kingdom placed at the head of the table to reflect its presidency. On the table are twelve stars, one for each member state, positioned to echo the geographical locations of their capital cities. Fine lines connect the stars, symbolising the links of trade and commerce that underpin the European Single Market. The dual dates “1992 1993” emphasise both the UK presidency and the completion of the Single Market, while the inscription “50 PENCE” confirms the denomination. 

The obverse carries the third portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf. In this familiar effigy, the Queen wears the George IV State Diadem, with the Latin legend “ELIZABETH II DEI·GRA·REG·F·D” around, an abbreviation of “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith”.

Struck in cupro-nickel, this pre-1997 50p is of the older, larger specification and therefore differs from modern fifty pence pieces. It weighs 13.5 grams, measures 30 millimetres in diameter and has a thickness of 2.5 millimetres, while still retaining the distinctive seven-sided shape and a plain edge.

For collectors, this coin holds a particular interest. With a mintage of only 109,000, it is one of the lowest-mintage circulating commemorative 50p coins ever issued in the United Kingdom, notably scarcer than many later commemorative designs. Its combination of low mintage, larger-size format and historically themed design makes it an important piece in any collection of UK decimal and commemorative coinage, especially for those who focus on the story of Britain’s relationship with Europe.

*Image is representative of the coin you will receive 

**Struck for general circulation and subsequently acquired by The Royal Mint from the secondary market.