The "small type" designation distinguishes this issue from the larger-format 50 pence Guernsey had used since decimalization in 1969. Britain's own 50p was reduced in size in 1997 — shrinking from 30mm to 27.3mm — and Guernsey followed suit that same year, aligning with the Royal Mint's retooling rather than maintaining a divergent local specification. The transition was driven largely by vending machine economics and public complaints about the coin's bulk.
KM#45.2 is the smaller-planchet successor to KM#45.1, same portrait, same reverse type, different die preparation entirely.
The "small type" designation distinguishes this issue from the larger-format 50 pence Guernsey had used since decimalization in 1969. Britain's own 50p was reduced in size in 1997 — shrinking from 30mm to 27.3mm — and Guernsey followed suit that same year, aligning with the Royal Mint's retooling rather than maintaining a divergent local specification. The transition was driven largely by vending machine economics and public complaints about the coin's bulk.
KM#45.2 is the smaller-planchet successor to KM#45.1, same portrait, same reverse type, different die preparation entirely.