20 Cents - Elizabeth II (Decimal Pattern) 1961 front 20 Cents - Elizabeth II (Decimal Pattern) 1961 back
20 Cents - Elizabeth II (Decimal Pattern) 1961 photo
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20 Cents - Elizabeth II Decimal Pattern

1961 year
Copper-nickel 11.39 g 28.5 mm
Description
Issuer
United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
Queen
Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
Type
Pattern
Year
1961
Value
20 Cents (0.20)
Currency
Pound sterling (1158-1970)
Composition
Copper-nickel
Weight
11.39 g
Diameter
28.5 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#138405
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Standing figure of Britannia holding trident in right hand and shield in left, date below and denomination above

Script: Latin

Lettering:
TWENTY CENTS
1961

Edge

Reeded

Comment

Struck by the Royal Mint, London. The decimal pattern coins dated 1961 utilised comparable sterling obverse equivalents, while some of the reverses employed old punches drawn from the Mint collection. These punches included George De Saulles’ standing Britannia, William Wyon’s Una and the lion and the same artist’s lion on crown motif, originally engraved for the final issue of shillings and sixpences of George IV.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Pattern 20 Cents - Elizabeth II (Decimal Pattern) 1961 from United Kingdom is that it was designed by sculptor and engraver, Arnold Machin. Machin's design features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse (front) side of the coin, while the reverse (back) side depicts a pattern of ornate floral and geometric shapes. This particular coin is a pattern coin, meaning it was produced as a trial or sample coin and was not issued for circulation. It is considered a rare and valuable collector's item among numismatists.