UK COIN CATALOGUE OF TEN PENCE COINS

Where can I find a full list of Ten Pence designs for my collection?  

If you are looking for a complete UK coin catalogue, Numara’s 10p coin guide provides a detailed overview covering every Ten Pence design released into general circulation, from the original Crowned Lion reverse designs to the Royal Shield and A–Z of Britain series. This guide includes all commemorative circulating releases and definitive types, while excluding Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) versions. It is designed to assist those interested in collecting Ten Pence coins in identifying coins found in everyday change and building a comprehensive collection.  

How many Ten Pence coin designs are there in circulation?  

Currently, there are 53 different Ten Pence designs that have been released into general circulation in the United Kingdom. This total includes:  

41 Crowned Lion Ten Pence coins (definitive designs issued between 1968 and 2008)  

18 Royal Shield Ten Pence coins (definitive designs issued from 2008 onwards)  

26 A–Z of Britain 10p coins (2018 alphabet series)  

These circulating designs can potentially be found in everyday change across the UK. This figure excludes Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) collector editions, proof coins, and special precious metal versions that were not issued for general circulation.  

How many definitive Ten Pence coin designs are there?  

There are 59 definitive Ten Pence coin designs in total. This includes the annual Crowned Lion reverse designs issued from decimalisation until 2008 and the Royal Shield reverse designs issued from 2008 onwards. These represent the standard annual designs produced for everyday use, separate from commemorative releases such as the A–Z series.  

What is the difference between circulating and NCLT Ten Pence coins?  

Circulating Ten Pence coins were released into general use and distributed through banks and the Post Office, meaning they can be found in everyday change. NCLT (Non-Circulating Legal Tender) Ten Pence coins are produced specifically for collectors in limited quantities and are typically sold in presentation packs or special finishes. Many collectors focus specifically on collecting Ten Pence coins from circulating designs when building a change-based collection.  

What was the first Ten Pence coin?  

The Ten Pence coin was introduced in 1968 ahead of Decimal Day in 1971. It was equal in value and size to the pre-decimal florin coin (two shillings), allowing both coins to circulate together during the transition to decimal currency. The original reverse design featured the Crowned Lion Passant Guardant, which remained in use until the introduction of the Royal Shield design in 2008.  

What is the rarest Ten Pence coin in circulation?  

Rarity depends on official mintage figures and how frequently a coin appears in change. Among modern circulating Ten Pence coins, many collectors consider the 2018 A–Z 10p coins and 2019 A–Z 10p coins to be among the scarcest due to their comparatively low mintages. Checking official mintage data and monitoring collector demand helps determine scarcity within the Ten Pence series.  

Are all Ten Pence coins round?  

Yes. All modern UK Ten Pence coins are round. The original large Ten Pence coin was issued from 1968 until 1992, when a smaller Ten Pence coin was introduced. Despite the change in size, the denomination has retained its circular shape throughout its history.  

What designs have appeared on circulating Ten Pence coins?  

Circulating Ten Pence coins have featured three main reverse design types. The original Crowned Lion Passant Guardant design was used from decimalisation until 2008, followed by Matthew Dent’s Royal Shield design from 2008 onwards. In 2018, the Royal Mint introduced the popular A–Z of Britain 10p coin series, featuring 26 individual designs celebrating British culture, British history, and British landmarks. Together, these releases make the Ten Pence coin one of the most interesting denominations for UK coin collectors.  

Can I still find valuable Ten Pence coins in my change?  

Yes, many collectible Ten Pence coins can still be found in everyday change. While most are worth only face value, lower-mintage A–Z 10p coins and coins in excellent condition may carry a premium among coin collectors. Regularly checking your change remains one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start collecting Ten Pence coins.