British Cupro-Nickel Five Pence Coin (Replica or Gilded)
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation Type) · Not applicable; the item is a standard silver-colored cupro-nickel circulation coin. If yellow tones are present, it is a secondary gold-plate/gilding over a base metal core.
Purity: Non-gold/Base Metal. The appearance suggests a standard cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) British 5p coin. If it appears gold in other lighting, it is likely gold-plated (less than 0.1 microns of gold).
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation Type)
Purity
Non-gold/Base Metal. The appearance suggests a standard cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) British 5p coin. If it appears gold in other lighting, it is likely gold-plated (less than 0.1 microns of gold).
Gold Type
Not applicable; the item is a standard silver-colored cupro-nickel circulation coin. If yellow tones are present, it is a secondary gold-plate/gilding over a base metal core.
Weight
3.25 grams (standard for a post-1990 small-size UK Five Pence).
Description
This is a standard circulation British Five Pence coin featuring the Badge of Scotland—a crowned thistle—designed by Christopher Ironside. While common in cupro-nickel, some are gold-plated for novelty or jewelry sets; however, this specimen shows the typical dull metallic luster of circulated base metal currency.
Key Features
Crowned Thistle reverse; numeral 5; beaded border; small-module diameter (18mm); cupro-nickel composition.
Color & Finish
Silver-grey/Cool metallic with a circulated matte finish and visible surface oxidation/toning. If gold-colored, it is a thin aftermarket finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None. Circulation coins do not carry gold hallmarks. Featured text: FIVE PENCE, the numeral 5, and the Badge of Scotland (Crowned Thistle).
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter: 18.0 mm; Thickness: 1.7 mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. Precision-struck relief on a solid metal planchet.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge. The coin features a continuous milled/reeded edge typical of modern UK currency.
Chain & Links
Solid metal planchet with a raised rim and reeded edge finish.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck on a high-speed minting press. Details show the high-quality industrial standards of The Royal Mint.
Authentication Indicators
The design corresponds exactly to the Royal Mint's 5p specifications. Absence of hallmarks and the 'silver' color indicate it is not solid gold. Red flag: Small-size 5p coins are never struck in solid gold for circulation.
Origin & Maker
United Kingdom; The Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales).
Era & Period
Modern (Post-Decimalization). The small-sized 5p was introduced in 1990.
Age Estimate
Produced between 1990 and 2008 (the years this specific Thistle reverse was minted).
Cultural Significance
Represents the Scottish heraldic contribution to the United Kingdom's coinage and serves as a staple of daily British commerce.
Condition Notes
Circulated (Very Fine to Extremely Fine). Visible minor scratches, surface contact marks, and typical oxidation/patina for a base metal coin in circulation.
Value Estimate
Face value (£0.05). Market value for a circulated cupro-nickel specimen is negligible (melt and currency value only). No intrinsic gold weight value.
Care & Maintenance
None required for base metal. If gold-plated, avoid abrasive cleaners which will strip the thin gold layer to reveal the copper-nickel underneath.
Similar Items
Pre-1990 Large-size 5p (23.6mm); 22K Gold Proof 5p Coins (issued by Royal Mint for collectors - much heavier and with mirrored finish).
Interesting Facts
The thistle design on the 5p remained virtually unchanged from decimalization in 1968 until the 'Shield of the Royal Arms' redesign in 2008.