UK Coins

1918 Representation of the People Act 50p

Cupro-nickel Circulating 2018 50p  Share This Coin:
1918 Representation of the People Act 50p - Reverse - 2018 UK 50p Coin
Price Guide
£1.00
Rarity Score 19

Coin Specifications

Denomination
50p
Year
2018
Metal
Cupro-nickel
Finish
Circulating
Mintage
9,000,000
Weight
8.00 g
Diameter
27.30 mm
Product Code
UK18RPBU
Obverse
Jody Clark
Reverse
Stephen Taylor

Coin Description

🛡️ Coin Info Card: Representation of the People Act 50p

Category Details
Year of Issue 2018
Issuing Authority The Royal Mint (United Kingdom)
Denomination 50p (Fifty Pence)
Mintage (Circulation) 9,000,000
Scarcity Index Commonly found in change
Designer (Reverse) Stephen Taylor
Designer (Obverse) Jody Clark (Fifth Portrait)

🎨 Design & Theme

Reverse: Features a "British queue" of five individuals representing the diverse groups granted the vote: a woman holding a ballot, a soldier, and working-class citizens. Inscription: "1918 REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT".

Technical Specs: Cupro-Nickel | 8.00g | 27.30mm | 7-sided (Heptagon).

🌟 Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Collector Edition

Product Code: UK18RPBU | NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Originally sold for £10.00, this version was struck to a higher standard than everyday coins, intended for collectors and preserved in a decorative folder.

See our page on the 1918 Representation of the People Act 50p Brilliant Uncirculated version.

Why this edition is unique:

  • Superior Strike: Polished dies and higher pressure result in sharper details and mirror-like luster.
  • Historical Significance: Celebrates the centenary of women (over 30) and all men (over 21) winning the right to vote.
  • The "Queue" Design: Inspired by 1920s propaganda posters with clean, bold silhouettes.

About This Coin

📜 Historical Significance: The 1918 Representation of the People Act

The 1918 Representation of the People Act was a landmark moment in British democracy. After decades of suffragette campaigning and the contributions of women during World War I, this Act granted voting rights to:

  • Women over 30 who met minimum property qualifications
  • All men over 21, regardless of property ownership

This Act tripled the electorate from 7.7 million to 21.4 million voters overnight. It wasn't until the Equal Franchise Act of 1928 that women achieved full voting equality with men. The 2018 commemorative 50p marks the centenary of this pivotal step toward universal suffrage.

💡 Design Context: Stephen Taylor's reverse design cleverly depicts a quintessentially British queue—showing diverse citizens waiting to exercise their new democratic rights. The clean, bold silhouettes echo 1920s propaganda art, capturing the era's optimism and social change.

💷 How Much is the 2018 Representation of the People Act 50p Worth in 2026?

As of early 2026, the Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) version remains a steady performer on the secondary market. Since it's NO LONGER AVAILABLE from The Royal Mint, prices have held firm above the original £10.00 issue price.

Condition Fair Market Value UK Coin Collector Notes
Circulating Coin £1.00 Worth £1 to a UK coin collector, otherwise Face Value (50p)
Certified BU (Change Checker / Encapsulated) £6.00 Commonly sold in protective cards; very popular with set collectors
Official Royal Mint Presentation Pack £10.00 Highest value for the original sealed "UK18RPBU" folder

🔍 What to Watch For on eBay

  • Check the "Finish": Ensure listings explicitly state "Brilliant Uncirculated" or "BU." A true BU coin will have sharper details and no "bag marks" (small scratches from coins clashing in mint bags).
  • Sold Prices vs. Listing Prices: Always filter by "Sold Items" on eBay. Some sellers list this coin for £50+, but actual completed sales consistently sit around £10.00 for packaged versions.

💎 Why Add This Coin to Your Collection?

Rarity Factor: The Packaging Makes the Difference

While 9,000,000 of these coins were struck for circulation (making them common in your change), only 12,311 were issued in the official Royal Mint Presentation Pack (Product Code: UK18RPBU). This low "packaging mintage" is what drives the premium for the BU version—it's not about the coin itself, but the limited presentation format.

🏆 Collector Appeal Points

  • 📚 Historical Importance:
    This coin commemorates one of the most significant social reforms in British history—the beginning of universal suffrage. It's a tangible piece of democratic evolution.
  • 💰 Affordable Entry Point:
    At £1 for circulated or £6-£10 for BU versions, this is an accessible commemorative that won't break the bank while still offering genuine historical significance.
  • 🎯 Theme Collection Builder:
    Perfect for thematic collections focused on women's history, British democracy, WWI-era social change, or Stephen Taylor designs. Pairs well with other suffrage-related coins.
  • 🔒 Sold Out Status:
    With Royal Mint stock exhausted, the BU version maintains stable secondary market value. The low 12,311 packaging mintage ensures steady demand from completist collectors.

⭐ Bottom Line:
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a commemorative collector, or simply someone who appreciates coins with powerful social narratives, the 2018 Representation of the People Act 50p deserves a place in your collection. It's a well-designed, historically significant piece that tells the story of how Britain became a true democracy.