50 Pence - Elizabeth II 5th portrait, Battle of Hastings

Issued to mark the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, this coin appeared in the same year English Heritage oversaw major commemorations at Battle Abbey, the site where Harold II was killed on 14 October 1066. The engagement itself lasted roughly nine hours — unusually long for medieval pitched battle — and ended Norman dominance over the English crown for centuries.

The Royal Mint released the piece into general circulation, meaning worn examples are already routine finds in change.