This piece belongs to the 2018 "Definitive Coinage" redesign series, in which the Royal Mint quietly retired the long-running Machin-era reverses in favor of a suite of new designs commissioned to refresh everyday circulation coinage. The Union Flag reverse on the 10 pence was one of the less controversial selections — other entries in the alphabet series drew considerably more debate over their suitability for pocket change.
Nickel plated steel had already replaced cupro-nickel in the 10 pence by 2011, a cost-driven decision that predates this portrait by several years.
This piece belongs to the 2018 "Definitive Coinage" redesign series, in which the Royal Mint quietly retired the long-running Machin-era reverses in favor of a suite of new designs commissioned to refresh everyday circulation coinage. The Union Flag reverse on the 10 pence was one of the less controversial selections — other entries in the alphabet series drew considerably more debate over their suitability for pocket change.
Nickel plated steel had already replaced cupro-nickel in the 10 pence by 2011, a cost-driven decision that predates this portrait by several years.