2p Coin Designs and Specifications

The United Kingdom 2p coin was introduced on 15th February 1971, with the creation of a new decimal currency system. The other two coins issued at this time were the 1/2p and 1p coins. To avoid confusion between the old and new coinage, all three coins had the word 'NEW' incorporated into the reverse design. This was subsequently removed in 1982.

The first copper-plated steel 2p coins were struck in 1992. The reason for this change was the increase in the price of metals on the world markets. The coins have a mild steel core and are electroplated with copper - consequently, they are magnetic.

The 2p coin is legal tender for amounts up to 20p.

First Issued 15 February 1971
Specifications
Diameter 25.9mm
Weight 7.12g
Thickness Bronze: 1.85mm
Copper-plated steel: 2.03mm
Composition Bronze (97% copper, 2.5% zinc, 0.5% tin) - until September 1992
Copper-plated steel - since September 1992, except in 1998 when the 2p was made in both alloys
Obverse Designers 1971-1984 Arnold Machin
1985-1997 - Raphael Maklouf
1998-2015 - Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS
2015-2022 - Jody Clark
2022 to Date - Martin Jennings
Reverse 
Designers
1971-2008 - Christopher Ironside
2008-2022 -  Matthew Dent
2022 to date - The Royal Mint
Edge Plain
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