To commemorate the United Kingdom's 25th anniversary of membership in the European Union and its Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Royal Mint issued a special 50p coin in 1998. The reverse design, created by John Mills, features the twelve stars of the European Union encircling the letters "EU," flanked by the dates "1973" and "1998." Below this is the denomination, "50 PENCE," symbolizing both the anniversary and the UK's role in the EU.

The UK's entry into the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 was first marked by a commemorative 50p coin. Since then, the 50p has become a symbol of European milestones, having also been chosen in 1992/93 to celebrate the UK's Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the completion of the Single European Market. This 1998 coin honours both 25 years of EU membership and the UK's six-month Presidency of the European Union.

*Image is representative of the coin you will receive 

**Struck for general circulation and subsequently acquired by The Royal Mint from the secondary market.