20p

20p is a denomination of the pound sterling equal to twenty pence. It is part of the United Kingdom’s decimal coinage, where 100 pence make up one pound. The 20p coin was introduced in 1982 as part of the move to decimalize the currency, and it remains in regular use in everyday transactions.

Physical characteristics: The coin is seven-sided (a heptagon), with a plain edge. Circulating issues are produced in a copper-based alloy commonly described as nickel-brass.

Design: The obverse bears the effigy of the reigning monarch. The reverse designs vary by issue and have included both standard and commemorative motifs since its introduction. Over the years, many different designs have appeared on the 20p reverse, reflecting anniversaries, national symbols, and cultural themes.

Usage and circulation: The 20p coin is a core unit of price formation in the UK and is widely used in everyday payments, as well as in vending machines and transit systems that accept British coins. It is a common target for collectors, who pursue commemorative or special-issue 20p coins, and it remains a frequent item in cash transactions and change wallets. The coin is primarily used in the United Kingdom and is not widely circulated outside the country, where it is generally not recognized as legal tender for everyday transactions.