British Twenty-Five Pence coin

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The commemorative British decimal Twenty-Five Pence (25p) coin was issued in four designs between 1972 and 1981.

After the decimalisation of British currency in 1971, the Royal Mint continued to issue the traditional crown type of coin, with the same old value of a quarter of a pound sterling, which in the post-decimal age was twenty-five pence. This came to an end in 1990, after which all crowns issued had a value of five pounds. This was due to the prohibitive cost to the Mint of producing such large coins with such small value.

Like all recent crowns, these coins were issued for commemorative purposes and were not intended for circulation, although they remain legal tender and must be accepted at Post Offices. Uniquely in British decimal coinage, the twenty-five pence coins do not have their value stated on them. This is because previous crowns rarely did so. The coins weigh 28.28g and have a diameter of 38.61mm.

The following 25p coins were produced:

1972: To celebrate the Silver wedding anniversary of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

Obverse: The standard portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin with the inscription D·G·REG·F·D· ELIZABETH II

Reverse: The initials EP crowned and with a floral garland, with a naked figure of Eros at the centre. The inscription reads:

ELIZABETH AND PHILIP

20 NOVEMBER 1947 - 1972

This face was also designed by Arnold Machin.

Both faces are encircled by dots. The edge of the coin is milled. There were 7,452,000 cupronickel coins and 100,000 silver coins issued.

1977: To celebrate HM The Queen's Silver Jubilee of reign.

Obverse: A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II riding a horse, in a similar style to the 1953 crown celebrating her coronation. The inscription reads ELIZABETH·II DG·REG FD 1977.

Reverse: A design showing coronation regalia. The Ampulla and Anointing Spoon used in the Queen's coronation are displayed crowned, and encircled by a floral border. These objects date from the 14th and 12th centuries respectively and have remained in continuous use.

Both faces were designed by Arnold Machin. The edge of the coin is milled. There were 36,989,000 cupronickel coins and 377,000 silver coins issued.

1980: To celebrate the eightieth birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Obverse: The standard portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin with the inscription D·G·REG·F·D· ELIZABETH II.

Reverse: A portrait of the Queen Mother surrounded by a radiating pattern of bows and lions, a pun on her maiden name Bowes-Lyon. The inscription reads:

QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER

AUGUST 4th 1980

The reverse was designed by Professor Richard Guyatt.

Both faces are encircled by dots. The edge of the coin is milled. There were 9,478,000 cupronickel coins and 83,672 silver coins issued.

1981: To celebrate the wedding of HRH The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer.

Obverse: The standard portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin with the inscription D·G·REG·F·D· ELIZABETH II.

Reverse: A profile portrait of Lady Diana Spencer partially covered by a profile portrait of HRH The Prince of Wales, both facing to the left, with the inscription H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES AND LADY DIANA SPENCER 1981. This face was designed by Philip Nathan.

Both faces are encircled by dots. The edge of the coin is milled. There were 27,360,000 cupronickel coins and 218,000 silver coins issued.

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