METALS IN BRITISH COINS
OUTER RING
76%
ZINC
20%
NICKEL
W
S
COPPER
T
INNER CIRCLE
O POUND
4%
75%
COPPER
25%
NICKEL
PRE-2017
COPPER
POST-2017
In 2014, the Royal Mint introduced a
design for a new £1 coin, proposed
to enter circulation in 2017 to combat
counterfeits. 3% of all current £1 coins
are estimated to be counterfeit. The
design is 12 sided, and composed of
two different metal alloys. Its precise
composition is yet to be determined.
70%
24.5%
O
N
NICKEL
5.5%
D
ZINC
E POUN
CURRENT COMPOSITION
COPPER
75%
NICKEL
25%
FI
F
TY PENC
84%
NICKEL
16%
T
W
E N TY P E N C
POST-2011
PE NC
EN
F
T
0.5%
6%
NICKEL
5
POST-1992
O PENC
Change to copper-plated steel
O
2
NE
PE N
C
94%
E
TIN
W
E
2.5%
E PENC
MILD STEEL
IRON, CARBON & MANGANESE
E
ZINC
IV
10
PRE-1992
97%
Change to nickel-plated steel
94%
25%
COPPER
The 20p has not undergone any
changes in composition or size since
it first entered circulation in 1982. Due
to a minting error in 2008, around
250,000 coins were produced without
a date. These coins remain legal
tender.
E
E
T
75%
NICKEL
After a review of coinage in 1994, the
UK government decided a smaller
50p was required. This coin was then
introduced in 1997. The diameter
was reduced from 30mm to 27.3mm;
however, the metal composition of
the coin remained identical.
20
PRE-2011
COPPER
E
50
CURRENT COMPOSITION
COPPER
CHANGE IN SIZE
1
6%
2014 COMPOUND INTEREST - WWW.COMPOUNDCHEM.COM
MILD STEEL
IRON, CARBON & MANGANESE
COPPER