Twenty pounds (British coin) facts for kids
| United Kingdom | |
| Value | £20 |
|---|---|
| Mass | 15.71 g |
| Diameter | approx 27 mm |
| Edge | Milled |
| Composition | .999 fine silver |
| Years of minting | 2013-present |
| Obverse | |
 |
|
| Design | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Designer | Ian Rank-Broadley |
| Design date | 1998 |
| Reverse | |
 |
|
| Design | No standard reverse design; |
The British twenty pound coin (often called the £20 coin) is a special coin from the United Kingdom. It was first made by the Royal Mint in 2013. These coins are made from very pure silver (.999 fine silver). Even though you *could* use them to buy things, they are mostly made as cool souvenirs or for collectors. You won't usually see them in shops!
About the British Twenty Pound Coin
The £20 coin is a "commemorative" coin. This means it's made to celebrate or remember important events, people, or anniversaries. Unlike the coins you use every day, these are often bought by people who collect coins.
Cool Designs on the Coin
The front of the £20 coin always shows a picture of Queen Elizabeth II. But the back, called the "reverse," changes! Each new coin has a different design to mark a special occasion. Here are some of the interesting designs that have appeared:
- 2013: Saint George and the Dragon - The very first £20 coin showed the classic story of Saint George fighting a dragon. This design was created by Benedetto Pistrucci.
- 2014: First World War Anniversary - To mark 100 years since the start of the First World War, a coin showed Britannia (a symbol of Britain) and a lion. Warships were in the background.
- 2015: Sir Winston Churchill - One coin celebrated 50 years since the death of Sir Winston Churchill, a famous British Prime Minister.
- 2015: The Longest Reigning Monarch - Another coin in 2015 honored Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest-reigning monarch in British history. It showed five different portraits of her that have been on British coins.
- 2016: Queen Elizabeth II's 90th Birthday - This coin featured the Queen's royal symbol, surrounded by roses, to celebrate her big birthday.
- 2016 & 2019: Welsh Dragon Celebration - Some coins have featured the famous Welsh dragon, a symbol of Wales.
- 2016: Christmas - A special coin was made for Christmas, showing the nativity scene.
- 2017: Platinum Wedding Anniversary - This coin celebrated the 70th wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. It showed them riding horses.
Is the £20 Coin Legal Tender?
Yes, the £20 coin is considered "legal tender." This means that, by law, it can be used to pay for things. However, the Royal Mint (the place that makes the coins) has said that these silver £20 coins are mostly for collectors. They are not really meant to be used for everyday shopping. So, while you *could* try to spend one, most shops wouldn't expect to see it!
