What does the 2020 Diversity 50p represent and how much is it worth?

The Diversity 50p was issued to celebrate all the people who have made Britain what it is today, including the profound contribution of ethnic minority communities have made to the shared history of the United Kingdom.

Designed by Dominque Evans, the 50p features the words 'DIVERSITY BUILT BRITAIN' against a geodome structure which is composed of interconnected triangles linked to form a network, with each part equally as important in uniting the whole composition.

This represents the importance of connections between communities, and the strength that these connections form across the country as a whole.

This UK 50p was released in 2020 as the first coin in a series issued to celebrate diversity across the whole of Britain and how this has helped to shape our rich history and heritage.

The History behind the 'Diversity Built Britain' 50p coin

Importantly, this fifty pence coin was released during Black History Month. The Banknotes of Colour campaign, led by Zehra Zaidi and Dr Patrick Vernon, have been campaigning to highlight that no BAME individual has ever been featured on a British banknote or coin in general circulation.

In July 2020, after the global Black Lives Matter protests, then Chancellor Rishi Sunak, was considering Banknotes of Colour's proposals. As you can see, the coin does not feature a BAME historical figure's image, but still it is intended to highlight the importance diversity plays in Britain.

Rishi Sunak said: 'This coin, and the rest of the series, will act as a fitting tribute to the very profound impact ethnic minority communities have made on Britain.'

The design of the 50p coin

The coin design by Dominique Evans features the words ‘DIVERSITY BUILT BRITAIN’ on a structure composed of interconnected triangles.

The lines are linked to form a network, with each part just as important as the next in uniting the whole composition.

The coin's designer Dominique Evans said: 'When designing this coin, I began by thinking about the people who inspire me and what diversity has meant in my life. I believe that no matter where you are born, we all belong under the same sky and this was the starting point of the design. '

The background of the coin features a geodome with a series of interconnecting lines and triangles that form a network. Each part is equal, and symbolises a community of connection and strength.'

The obverse of the Diversity Built Britain fifty pence coin was designed by artist Jody Clark.

It is the fifth coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This is only the fifth definitive portrait of The Queen to appear on our circulating coins since her accession to the throne in 1952.

The outer of the obverse reads 2020 · ELIZABETH · II · D · G · REG · D · F · 50 · PENCE

Mintage of the Coin

The total mintage of the 2020 Diversity Built Britain 50p coin is 10,300,000. In addition, as is now the norm, The Royal Mint also released this coin in special finishes for coin collectors to add to their collections. 25,000 Silver Proof versions were made plus a further 950 Gold Proof editions were commissioned. According to their website, the silver proof and gold proof versions are no longer available.

How rare is it?

As with most Royal Mint releases, the diversity coin will be available for purchase in 'brilliant uncirculated', silver and gold versions through the Royal Mint website. You are likely to find it in your change as this coin was only released recently.

A mintage of 10 million is relatively high for a recent 50p design. The only other 50p coin to have a mintage of the same number or higher in the past five years is January 2020's Brexit 50p, which also had just over 10 million.

Often, new 50ps are released in much lower quantities. In 2018, the Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny 50ps each had 1.4 million mintages, making them the second and third most scarce 50ps in circulation. Only the extremely uncommon 2009 Kew gardens coin is rarer, with just 210,000 produced.

How Much Is a Diversity 50p Coin Worth Today?

Today, the Diversity 50p coin is worth around £2.50 on platforms like eBay and Amazon. Although its value is not a huge amount, it is quite considerable considering that the coin has just been released less than 3 years ago and it is now worth four times its face value.

So it is fairly common and not considered rare in terms of mintage. Usually, as mentioned, coins that have a mintage of less than 2 million are considered rare.

Where Can I Buy the Diversity Built Britain 50p Coin?

If you are looking for a unique commemorative coin to add to your collection or complete your 50p collection, the 2020 Diversity Built Britain 50p is a great option.

We sell this coin and you can buy it here.

Online market places such as eBay and Amazon have coins available, but as always, check out the seller, the listing description, the cost of postage and packaging, photos and do as much research before buying.

The Royal Mint has an online shop where you can buy various coins in circulated, uncirculated, silver proof and gold proof condition, but as it has been so long since this coin was released, they no longer stock the 2020 Diversity 50p coin.

Are there any error versions of this coin?

Not that we know of and the Royal Mint have not confirmed any official errors.