Since 1992, copper is only used in British "silver" coins in an alloy with nickel, most commonly 75% copper and 25 % nickel giving the coins a silver appearance.
The combination of copper and nickel gives a hard wearing and durable coin that is resistant to corrosion.
British copper plated steel 1 and 2 Pence coins were introduced in 1992.
Copper-plated steel is used for 1p and 2p coins because it is a cost-effective alternative to pure copper, making the coins more affordable to produce. Additionally, the steel core provides durability and strength to the coins, extending their lifespan in circulation.
The lowest denominations of current UK coins will be attracted to a magnet. In the UK, copper-plated steel was used for 1 and 2 pence coins beginning in 1992, replacing their bronze predecessors. Steel, being an alloy of iron, can be attracted to a magnet. The 5 and 10 pence coins were changed to nickel-plated steel in 2011. These coins will also display magnetic properties. In 1998, some 1 and 2 pence coins were issued in bronze (not magnetic).
Queen Victoria featured on the obverse of all British coins from 1838 to 1901 inclusive. Many countries of the then British Empire, would have used the same British coins, or coins featuring Queen Victoria on the coins of their own currencies.
The outside ring is CuAl6Ni2 The inner disc is CuNi25
Pure copper has not been used to make British coins for about 150 years. From 1860, British "copper" coins were made from bronze which consisted mostly of copper varying from 95 to 97% copper. From 1992, British "copper" coins were made from copper plated steel. Ironically, copper is used to make modern "silver" coins (cupro-nickel) consisting usually of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
The silver used to make predecimal British coins could have been mined anywhere in the then British Empire. A lot of silver was also acquired from raids on Spanish ships.
1p & 2p coins are made of copper-plated steel. 5p 20p & 50p coins are made of copper-nickel. £1 coins are made of brass. £2 are brass on the outer ring and nickel on the inner portion The coin was initially minted from bronze, but since 1992 it has been minted in copper-plated steel except for a few months in 1998 when bronze was used again. As copper-plated steel is less dense than bronze, post-1992 coins have been slightly thicker. The coin weighs 7.12 grams and has a diameter of 25.9 millimetres. The 2p coin is currently 93% mild-steel and 7% copper.
Metals used in Indian coins are nickel, copper, stainless steel, aluminium.
British 20 Pence coins are legal tender in amounts up to £10 GBP.
Prior to 1933, New Zealand used mainly British coins and a some Australian coins.
Coins are typically made from a combination of metals such as copper, nickel, and zinc, but not iron or steel. Iron and steel are not commonly used in coin production due to their susceptibility to corrosion and their weight compared to other metals.