Why this Decimal Day 50p is a MUST-HAVE for any coin collector…

To celebrate 50 years since Decimalisation, in my latest video to I take a closer look at the NEW Decimal Day UK 50p and explain why it’s a MUST-HAVE coin for your collection.

You see it’s bursting with details that make it the perfect tribute to the anniversary.

…details that you may not have noticed until today.


If you’re interested…

CL Decimalisation homepage banner 1 1024x386 - Why this Decimal Day 50p is a MUST-HAVE for any coin collector…

Click here to view our complete 50th Anniversary of Decimalisation range >>

The countries that went Decimal long before the UK…

On 14th February 1971, the country went to bed with one currency, and woke with another. The following day, 15th February 1971, Britain went decimal. And this year marks the 50th anniversary of this monumental change.

The UK has been at the forefront of iconic and innovative coin designs throughout history. From King Edward III’s first gold coin which was introduced to the UK in 1344, to the experimental and iconic new designs seen on The Royal Mint’s latest issues.

Edward III Heritage Proof - The countries that went Decimal long before the UK...
An Edward III Heritage Proof of the first gold coin issued in the UK.

But the UK wasn’t the first country to go decimal. In fact, it was rather slow in its conversion and was one of the last countries in the world to go decimal. And the growing pressure of a world around it changing to Decimal currency would eventually push the UK to make the switch…

Who was the first?

Russia is considered the first country to go decimal, as under Tsar Peter the Great, the Russian Ruble was introduced with a sub-division of 100 Kopeks. It wasn’t until almost 100 years later in 1794 that France followed suit with the Franc, and the Netherlands was the third European country to go decimal in 1817 with the Dutch Guilder. Impressively, there are now only two countries in the world that are still using non-decimal currency – Madagascar and Mauritania (and interestingly both countries’ currencies are sub-divided into units of 5).

Russian 20 Kopeck  - The countries that went Decimal long before the UK...
A modern Russian 20 Kopeck coin issued in 1925.

What about the Commonwealth?

By the 1960s, half the world had gone decimal and a number of Commonwealth countries had also made the switch to a decimal currency. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa all turned to decimal throughout the 1960s giving rise to a powerful decimalisation movement in the UK. As the world around it converted to a modern decimal currency, it seemed inevitable that the UK would soon have to follow suit.

Australian Shilling - The countries that went Decimal long before the UK...
An Australian Shilling issued before Decimalisation.

By the time the UK eventually got to Decimal Day, the majority of the world had already made the switch. That includes the likes of the US, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, The Philippines, Nova Scotia, Bolivia, China, Brazil, Jamaica, Fiji, and many more.

New Zealand Florin - The countries that went Decimal long before the UK...
A New Zealand Florin issued before Decimalisation.

When D-Day finally came…

When Decimal Day finally arrived in 1971, many countries around the world had long since made the switch. For the UK, although the wheels had been set in motion with the introduction of the Florin 120 years prior, it wasn’t until 1968 that decimal coins officially circulated. The 10p and 5p coins were issued alongside their pre-decimal siblings, the Florin and Shilling, for almost 3 years before Decimal Day. Importantly, the first 50p coin entered our circulation in 1969, ultimately becoming the collector’s staple denomination. Fittingly, it is also the denomination that The Royal Mint have chosen to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Decimalisation this year.

2021 Decimal Day BU 50p - The countries that went Decimal long before the UK...
The 2021 UK Decimal Day BU 50p, issued earlier this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary.

These early introductions helped the public warm to decimalisation and after seeing the world around them change. 15th February 1971 marked a long foreseen, yet inevitable event for the public – the biggest for UK coinage in over a thousand years! It altered the lives of everyone in the UK, remember these were the days before bank cards, and people had to learn a whole new currency! It is certainly an important moment in the history books.


If you’re interested: A NEW DateStamp™ has been authorised!

An original UK 1969 50p coin has been paired alongside a BRAND NEW 2021 UK 50th Anniversary of Decimalisation BU 50p to mark the upcoming 50th anniversary. Each will be officially postmarked by Royal Mail on the day, preserving your coins in a moment in time. Just 2,021 50th Anniversary of Decimalisation 50p DateStamp™ pairs have been authorised, act NOW to pre-order yours.

Click here to find out why you need to secure yours now!

Decimalisation DateStamp 50p Pair - The countries that went Decimal long before the UK...

My top January collectables revealed

And just like that January is over and we’re one step closer to warmer days and longer evenings!

But blimey, was it a busy month for collectors. From the 2021 Annual Coin Sets to Wildlife 10ps, we’ve seen some BIG releases in January.

Need a reminder of what they were? Just watch our latest video to see my countdown of the top releases of the month.


If you’re interested…

Click here to add them to your collection >>