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 |