2011 WWF 50p coin issued in the United Kingdom to mark the 50th anniversary of WWF. This distinctive British commemorative fifty pence features one of the most detailed modern 50p reverse designs, created by graphic designer Matthew Dent and filled with conservation-inspired imagery surrounding the central WWF panda logo.
Dated 2011, this example is an original circulation-type copper-nickel fifty pence coin rather than a proof or precious-metal collector edition. It has been previously circulated and displays the natural signs of handling expected from a coin that has spent time in everyday use.
2011 WWF 50p Coin Design and Background
The Royal Mint issued the WWF commemorative 50p to celebrate 50 years of the conservation organisation, which was established in 1961. Matthew Dent created the reverse design using fifty individual pictorial symbols representing wildlife, plants, habitats and conservation themes.
At the centre is the familiar WWF panda emblem. Around it is a dense arrangement of small images including animals, birds, marine life, plants, trees and other environmental symbols. The design makes unusually extensive use of the available surface of the seven-sided 50p and gives the coin an instantly recognisable appearance among modern British commemorative issues.
The date 2011 appears prominently at the bottom of the reverse alongside the designer’s initials.
The obverse carries the fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, surrounded by the traditional royal inscription and the denomination FIFTY PENCE.
Specifications of the 2011 WWF 50p Coin
- Country: United Kingdom
- Denomination: Fifty Pence / 50p
- Year: 2011
- Commemorative theme: 50th anniversary of WWF
- Reverse designer: Matthew Dent
- Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II fourth portrait
- Composition: Copper-nickel
- Weight: approximately 8 grams
- Diameter: approximately 27.3 mm
- Shape: Seven-sided equilateral-curve heptagon
- Circulation mintage: 3,400,000
- Condition: Circulated and ungraded
- Quantity: One coin
A total of 3,400,000 examples of the standard circulation version were issued. This means the WWF 50p should be regarded as a collectable modern commemorative coin rather than described as an exceptionally rare issue. Its appeal comes primarily from the unusual design, conservation theme and its place within the wider series of British commemorative fifty pence coins.
Condition and Collector Details
This particular coin is offered in circulated condition. The photographs show visible surface marks, light scratches, rubbing and changes in surface tone consistent with normal circulation and handling. Some wear can be seen across the raised areas of the design and around the edges, although the major design elements, WWF panda logo, date and portrait remain clearly visible.
The coin has not been professionally graded and no numerical grade is claimed. It is therefore being sold as a straightforward circulated collector example, with the supplied photographs forming an important part of the condition description.
For collectors, the WWF issue offers several appealing themes in a single coin. It forms part of the modern Queen Elizabeth II decimal coinage series, fits naturally into commemorative 50p collections and may also appeal to collectors interested in wildlife, conservation or WWF memorabilia.
A Distinctive Modern British Commemorative Coin
Modern British 50p collecting has become popular because individual designs commemorate organisations, anniversaries, historical events and cultural subjects. The WWF issue stands apart visually because of the remarkable number of individual symbols incorporated into its reverse rather than relying on one large central illustration.
Its combination of a recognisable panda emblem, wildlife imagery and the unusual densely illustrated design makes it an attractive affordable addition to a British coin collection without the much higher cost associated with genuinely scarce modern 50p issues.
Browse more British currency, commemorative pieces and unusual numismatic items in the Hozy Vintage & Antique Finds Coins & Tokens collection.
Please note: This is a pre-owned circulated coin. Please review all photographs carefully before purchase, as they show the actual item supplied.
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