British Five Pence Coin (Copper-Nickel, Silver-Colored)
Coin (Numismatic/Curative) · Not Applicable. The item has a silver-colored metallic appearance characteristic of cupro-nickel alloys.
Purity: None (0%). This item is not gold; it is composed of copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel).
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Curative)
Purity
None (0%). This item is not gold; it is composed of copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel).
Gold Type
Not Applicable. The item has a silver-colored metallic appearance characteristic of cupro-nickel alloys.
Weight
3.25 grams (Standard weight for a 1990-2010 five pence coin)
Description
This is a standard circulation British Five Pence coin. It features the reverse design by Christopher Ironside, depicting a crowned thistle, which is the traditional symbol of Scotland. Despite the lighting in the photo, the coin is composed of base metals, not precious gold.
Key Features
Crowned thistle design; 'FIVE PENCE' lettering; small-size decimal format introduced in 1990.
Color & Finish
Silver-toned, cool metallic gray with a semi-reflective surface and circulating luster.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No gold hallmarks. Stamped with 'FIVE PENCE', the numeral '5', and a crowned thistle design (The Badge of Scotland).
Dimensions Estimate
18.0 mm diameter, 1.7 mm thickness (Standard 5p specifications)
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; reeded edge finishing
Chain & Links
Reeded (milled) edge with vertical grooves
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck with die-stamped relief. Features consistent denticles around the rim and sharp lettering typical of Royal Mint production.
Authentication Indicators
The design, size, and material match standard British cupro-nickel currency; lack of gold hallmarks or deep yellow tone suggests it is not gold-plated.
Origin & Maker
United Kingdom, Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales)
Era & Period
Modern British Decimalization (The design shown was used from 1990 to 2008)
Age Estimate
Likely produced between 1990 and 2008 based on the reverse design.
Cultural Significance
A staple of British daily commerce; the thistle represents Scottish identity within the United Kingdom.
Condition Notes
Circulated (Very Fine to Extremely Fine). Shows minor surface scratches and contact marks consistent with pocket change.
Value Estimate
Face value (£0.05). Market value is negligible (approximately $0.06 - $0.15 USD) as it is a common circulation coin.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry. No special cleaning needed for base metal currency; avoid abrasive polishes which can lower numismatic value.
Similar Items
1968-1990 Large Five Pence, pre-decimal Shillings, or the 2008-present 'Royal Shield' 5p design.
Interesting Facts
The five pence was introduced in 1968 to replace the shilling and was reduced to this smaller size in 1990.