• Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (second portrait by Arnold Machin), facing right, with the inscription ELIZABETH II D.G. REG. F.D.

• Reverse: A crowned thistle, the emblem of Scotland, with the denomination 5 NEW PENCE.

• Composition: Cupro-nickel.

• Weight: 5.65 g.

• Diameter: 23.59 mm.

• Edge: Milled.

• Mint: Royal Mint, London.

Historical Insight:
The 5 new pence was introduced in 1968 and circulated alongside shillings, which shared the same size and value. By 1971, decimalization was fully implemented, and this denomination became a key part of the new system.

Collecting Note:
Although common in circulation, a coin like this gains special meaning through its personal discovery. It also reflects Britain’s significant monetary reform, bridging pre-decimal and decimal eras.