5p

Five pence, abbreviated as 5p, is a denomination of the Pound Sterling, the currency used in the United Kingdom and several territories. One pound is equal to 100 pence, so five pence represents 0.05 pounds. The 5p coin is part of the UK’s decimal coinage and has been in regular use since the decimalization of the currency in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Royal Mint is responsible for producing the coin, and it is widely used in everyday transactions for small purchases and as change.

Physically, the 5p coin is made of cupronickel, typically an alloy of copper and nickel (often around 75% copper and 25% nickel). It weighs about 3.25 grams and has a diameter of roughly 18 millimeters. The obverse bears the portrait of the reigning monarch, while the reverse features a variety of designs, including the official insignia and, over time, commemorative issues. Regular circulation coins carry a standard motif, with occasional special editions issued for collectors.

In the broader context, the 5p coin sits alongside other decimal denominations such as 1p, 2p, 10p, 20p, 50p, and the £1 and £2 coins. It remains an active circulating denomination and is frequently used for everyday budgeting and inexpensive purchases. Collectors may also seek uncirculated or commemorative 5p coins, which can vary in year and design.