what are 50p coins made of?
When the 50p was first released into circulation it weighed 13.5 grammes and had a diameter of 30 milimetres. Today it weighs 8 grammes and has a diameter of 27.5 millimetres. The coin is made from 75% copper and 25% nickel, a mixture which is called cupronickel. Each coin is struck with at least 100 tonnes of force.