UK COIN CATALOGUE OF FIVE PENCE COINS

Where can I find a full list of Five Pence (5p) coin designs for my collection?

If you are looking for a complete UK 5p coin catalogue, full list of 5p coins, every 5p coin in circulation, or a comprehensive British Five Pence coin guide, Numara's 5p Coin Guide provides a detailed overview covering every Five Pence coin released into general circulation. This includes the original Crowned Thistle 5p coins, the modern Royal Shield 5p coins, and all definitive circulating issues released by The Royal Mint. The guide is designed to help collectors identify UK 5p coins found in circulation, track their collections and learn more about the history of the British Five Pence coin.

How many 5p coins have been released into circulation?

Since the introduction of the Five Pence coin in 1968, dozens of different dated issues have entered circulation throughout the United Kingdom. Numara's guide includes a complete list of every 5p coin in circulation, covering both the large and small Five Pence coin series. This includes every annual circulating issue released by The Royal Mint from decimalisation through to the present day. These circulating coins can potentially still be found in everyday change across the UK.

What is the difference between the large 5p and small 5p coin?

The original large 5p coin was introduced in 1968 ahead of Decimal Day and remained in circulation until it was replaced in 1990. In 1990, The Royal Mint introduced a smaller Five Pence coin to reduce production costs and make coins easier to carry. Both versions remain an important part of British decimal coin collecting, and many collectors enjoy assembling complete date runs of both series.

What was the first 5p coin?

The first Five Pence coin was introduced in 1968 as part of Britain's transition to decimal currency. It was intentionally produced to be the same size and value as the pre-decimal shilling, allowing both coins to circulate alongside one another. The original reverse design featured the Crowned Thistle, designed by Christopher Ironside, which remained on the denomination until the introduction of the Royal Shield design in 2008.

What is the rarest 5p coin in circulation?

Unlike some denominations, rarity among circulating 5p coins is often determined by annual mintage figures rather than commemorative designs. Certain years have significantly lower mintages than others, making them harder to find in circulation. Collectors frequently use 5p mintage figures, Royal Mint mintage data, and UK coin rarity guides to identify the scarcest Five Pence coins.

Are all UK 5p coins round?

Yes. All modern UK Five Pence coins are round. Both the original large 5p coin and the smaller version introduced in 1990 feature a circular shape. Despite changes in size, composition and design over the years, the British 5p coin has retained its round format throughout its history.

What designs have appeared on circulating 5p coins?

There have been two main reverse designs used on circulating Five Pence coins. The original Crowned Thistle 5p design, created by Christopher Ironside, was used from 1968 until 2008. In 2008, The Royal Mint introduced Matthew Dent's Royal Shield 5p design, which remains in use today. Together, these designs represent more than half a century of British decimal coinage and make the Five Pence denomination an important part of any UK coin collection.

What makes some 5p coins valuable?

Most circulating 5p coins are worth face value, but certain examples can command premiums among collectors. Lower mintage dates, coins in exceptional condition, and genuine 5p coin errors such as off-centre strikes, wrong planchet errors and other minting anomalies can be highly sought after. Searches for rare 5p coins, valuable 5p coins, 5p coin errors and collectable Five Pence coins remain popular among UK collectors.

Can I still find rare or valuable 5p coins in my change?

Yes. Many collectors continue to search their change for rare 5p coins, low mintage Five Pence coins, and unusual error pieces. Whilst most examples remain worth face value, some harder-to-find dates and minting errors may carry a premium. Regularly checking your change is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to start collecting 5p coins and building a British coin collection.

Are 5p coins worth collecting?

Absolutely. The British Five Pence coin offers collectors over 50 years of history, multiple reverse designs, two different sizes and a wide range of dates to hunt for. Whether you're building a full 5p coin collection, collecting every UK coin in circulation, or researching British decimal coinage, the Five Pence denomination remains a fascinating and accessible area of coin collecting.