Decimal Five Pence Appraisal

United Kingdom Decimal Five Pence Coin

This item is a circular United Kingdom five pence coin, commonly minted in copper-nickel after 1968. The obverse side displays the 'Second Portrait' of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin, featuring the Queen wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, facing right. Encircling the bust is the abbreviated Latin inscription 'ELIZABETH II D G REG F D'. The coin appears to be from the period between 1968 and 1984 based on the portrait style. The metal exhibits a dull silver-toned luster characteristic of circulated copper-nickel alloys. In terms of condition, there is significant surface wear and 'bag marks' across the field and on the high points of the Queen's hair and neck. Dark oxidation or grime is visible, particularly near the left rim and within the crevices of the lettering. The milled edge remains intact but appears softened by handling. This specimen shows typical signs of circulation for a twentieth-century base-metal utility coin, with no immediate evidence of rare minting errors or proof-like qualities. Its value is primarily numismatic as a representative example of British decimal currency from the late 20th century.