Are 50p coins still legal tender?

Yes, 50p coins are legal tender, but only the smaller ones (introduced in 1997) for amounts up to £10; the older, larger 50p coins are no longer legal tender for spending but can be exchanged at banks or the Royal Mint. So, any 50p you get in change today is likely valid, but if you find a large one, it's best to swap it.

Which 50p coins are no longer legal tender?

Only 50p coins of the smaller format, dated 1997 to date are current legal tender. Specifications of the current 50p coin are shown at the bottom of this page.

Can you still exchange old 50 pence coins?

Most high-street banks in the United Kingdom are willing to accept demonetised coins from their customers. Larger Post Office branches are usually willing to accept demonetised coins in exchange for goods and services. Please be aware, however, they are under no legal obligation to do so.

Can you use a 50 coin in shops?

These are the current coins that are used within England. They are the only legal tender coins that can be used in shops. 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.

Which UK coins are no longer valid?

The following are NOT legal tender coins in the UK:

• Old £1 coins.
• Withdrawn coins: farthing, pre-decimal halfpenny, pre-decimal large penny, threepence, sixpence, shilling, florin, decimal half penny and larger versions of 5p, 10p and 50p coins.

Old LARGE 50p Coins - How Much Are They Worth? Are They Rare?

Which coins are currently legal tender in the UK?

For example, 1p and 2p coins only count as legal tender for any amount up to 20p. And 5p and 10p coins only count for any amount up to £5. But £1 and £2 coins count as legal tender for any amount. Many common and safe payment methods such as cheques, debit cards and contactless are not legal tender.

Can a bank refuse to take your coins?

Most national banks, local banks and credit unions will accept coins in exchange for cash. However, policies and procedures vary by institution and location. For example, national banks like Chase and Capital One exchange pre-rolled coins for cash for account holders.

Is there a legal tender 50 coin?

The fifty pound coin (£50) is a commemorative denomination of sterling coinage. Issued for the first time by the Royal Mint in 2015 and sold at face value, fifty pound coins hold legal tender status but are intended as collector's items and are not found in general circulation.

Where can I cash in coins for free in the UK?

Take it to your bank

Some banks now have coin machines that let you pay in your spare change without needing to sort it first. Not all banks offer these machines, and even those that do might not have one in your local branch. However, they should be able to take your coins if you sort them yourself.

Should I clean my old coins before selling?

The short answer is simple: don't clean your old coins. Even well-intentioned cleaning can permanently reduce their value, strip away historical patina, and leave invisible damage.

Why is my 50p thick?

Check specifications: Since 1997, all 50p coins have a diameter of 27.3 mm, a thickness of 1.7 mm, and a weight of 8 grams. If your coin is a different size, it could be a fake, or it may have been damaged.

What to do with old coins in the UK for free?

What can I do with old coins?

1. Pay them in at the Post Office. Most UK banks will allow you to pay into your account at the Post Office. ...
2. Pay them in at your high street bank. ...
3. Sell them on eBay or vintage websites. ...
4. Donate them to charity. ...
5. Keep your old coins.

Why is the 1997 Britannia 50p rare?

No 50ps intended for circulation were struck to the old, larger specification in 1997. However, there were brilliant uncirculated and proof coins produced to the old larger specification for collectors. These can be seen in collectors sets like the 1997 UK Proof Set which includes an old-spec 50p and a new-design one.

Should you keep commemorative coins?

Are commemorative coins a good investment? Commemorative coins can be a good investment for collectors. Their limited mintage and artistic designs give them strong collectibility and the potential for price appreciation over time. However, there is always a risk that certain coins may decrease in value.

Can I still use old 50p coins?

The larger old 50p coins on this page have been demonetized and cannot be spent, but they can however be exchanged for current coins or paid into UK bank accounts. 1971 None for circulation – 229,819 proofs only. Collectability 2. 1972 None for circulation – 107,807 proofs only.

Can you refuse a 50 note?

A shop owner can choose what payment they accept. If you want to pay for a pack of gum with a £50 note, it's perfectly legal to turn you down. Likewise for all other banknotes, it's a matter of discretion. If your local corner shop decided to only accept payments in Pokémon cards that would be within their right too.

How many different King Charles 50p coins are there?

Five types of Charles III coronation 50 Pence coins will be released by The Royal Mint and are as follows: 2023 Coronation 50p Ordinary Circulation. 2023 Coronation 50p Brilliant Uncirculated. 2023 Coronation 50p Silver Proof.

Can a post office refuse to take coins?

The Post Office will only buy back current, clean banknotes, and even then, only from a few currencies. If you've been turned away with a handful of coins or old notes, you're not alone — but you're also not stuck. There's a better way to exchange foreign coins and notes.

What is the best way to get rid of coins?

The most common options include banks and credit unions, retail chains with coin-counting machines and specialized kiosks like Coinstar.

Why are banks getting rid of coin counters?

Indeed, many large banks have phased out courtesy coin counting, believing that the obvious convenience afforded to customers is outweighed by the cost and nuisance of rolling quarters, nickels, dimes, and (especially) pennies.