50p coin to mark the end of a 47 year friendship

The Brexit coin to mark leaving our friends, herald in a less secure world, isolation and economic instability

10 million new 50 pence coins will be minted to mark the country's departure from the European Union, which bears the inscription "Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations" and the Brexit date of 31 January 2020.

The Government had planned to mint a coin inscribed 29 March 2019, the original date of Brexit before Britain asked to extend its EU membership. Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid later ordered production to commemorate a new deadline of Oct. 31, but another delay put paid to that launch and about one million coins had to be melted down. The costs of recycling were apparently met by the Royal Mint.

About three million of the latest coins will be distributed from banks, post offices and shops from Friday, the government said, with another seven million entering circulation later in the year.

Chancellor Javid, who is also Master of the Mint said. "Leaving the European Union is a turning point in our history and this coin marks the beginning of this new chapter".

It is difficult at this stage for a large section of our society to reconcile leaving the EU with peace, prosperity and friendship.

Probably best left to the numismatists and wherever possible avoid personal responsibility for handling and dealing.

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