British Ten Pence Coin, Matthew Dent Shield Design
Coin (Circulating Currency) · None (Stainless Steel/Nickel visual appearance)
Purity: 0% - This is a base metal coin. It contains no gold content and is made of nickel-plated steel.
Type
Coin (Circulating Currency)
Purity
0% - This is a base metal coin. It contains no gold content and is made of nickel-plated steel.
Gold Type
None (Stainless Steel/Nickel visual appearance)
Weight
6.5 grams (Standard specification for post-2012 10p coins)
Description
A standard circulating United Kingdom Ten Pence coin featuring the contemporary 'Shield of Arms' design by Matthew Dent. The reverse depicts the two lions passant guardant from the fourth quarter of the Royal Shield. Despite its metallic luster, it is not a gold item and is intended for daily commerce.
Key Features
Features a 'puzzle' design where the coin depicts one section of the Royal Shield; when placed with other denominations, they form the complete coat of arms.
Color & Finish
Cool silver-tone metallic; lustrous satin finish on raised elements with a proof-like or uncirculated reflective field.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No precious metal hallmarks; features 'TEN PENCE' denomination stamp and a portion of the Royal Shield of Arms.
Dimensions Estimate
24.5 mm diameter, 1.85 mm thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge (milled) for identification and security against clipping.
Chain & Links
Standard reeded coin edge; vertical milling consistent with Royal Mint production.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck die work with sharp, clean edges and consistent relief height characteristic of modern industrial minting techniques.
Authentication Indicators
Magnetic properties (nickel-plated steel is magnetic), standard 24.5mm diameter, and weight consistency with Royal Mint specs. Red flag: Color is silver/white, not yellow, indicating zero gold content.
Origin & Maker
United Kingdom, The Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales)
Era & Period
Contemporary (2008-present design series)
Age Estimate
Issued between 2008 and 2023, based on the Matthew Dent design.
Cultural Significance
A fundamental unit of British decimal currency representing one-tenth of a Pound Sterling.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent (EF/AU); shows minor surface contact marks but retains original mint luster.
Value Estimate
Face value of £0.10 GBP; melt value is negligible (base metal). No precious metal premium.
Care & Maintenance
No special care required for base metal; avoid acidic cleaners which can strip the nickel plating and expose the steel core to rust.
Similar Items
Cupro-nickel 10p coins (pre-2012, non-magnetic), 5p or 50p coins from the same series using different shield segments.
Interesting Facts
The 2008 redesign was the first major change to the reverse of British coinage in 40 years, following a public competition won by Matthew Dent.