2 British Pence Coin

The British 2 Pence coin was introduced in 1971 as part of the United Kingdom’s transition to decimal currency. Marked initially as “NEW PENCE” to distinguish it from the old pre-decimal system, the wording was updated to “TWO PENCE” in 1982 once the decimal system had become fully established. Since its introduction, the 2p coin has remained a standard circulating denomination in everyday transactions across the UK.

The original 2p coin was struck in bronze and features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. Over the decades, the royal effigy has been updated several times, including designs by Arnold Machin, Raphael Maklouf, Ian Rank-Broadley, and later Jody Clark. In 1992, the composition changed from solid bronze to copper-plated steel to reduce production costs while maintaining the same appearance and specifications.

On the reverse of coins issued between 1971 and 2008, the design depicts the Badge of the Prince of Wales — three ostrich feathers emerging from a coronet, above a scroll bearing the motto “Ich Dien.” The denomination appears above or around the design depending on the year of issue. In 2008, the reverse was redesigned as part of a new Royal Shield series, with the 2p coin displaying a segment of the shield that forms the complete Royal Arms when combined with other denominations in the set.

Although the 2 Pence coin remains legal tender, large volumes of loose or accumulated coins are often found in charity collections, retail holdings, and household coin jars. Many banks impose restrictions on bulk coin deposits, and foreign coins are typically refused entirely. If you would like to exchange foreign coins, our UK-based service provides a simple way to process surplus UK and overseas coinage.

• Indicate the quantity of British 2 Pence coins you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Bulk coins can be inconvenient to deposit through traditional banking channels, particularly for businesses and charities handling large quantities. We exchange leftover currency for individuals, charities, and businesses across the UK, offering a trusted and efficient route to convert surplus coins into pounds instead of leaving them stored or unprocessed.