Some UK coins are magnetic because they contain a steel core. A magnet will usually attract copper-plated steel 1p and 2p coins, and nickel-plated steel 5p and 10p coins. Earlier bronze or cupro-nickel versions are not attracted in the same way.
Which UK coins are magnetic?
- 1p coins made from copper-plated steel since September 1992
- 2p coins made from copper-plated steel since September 1992, with 1998 examples found in both alloys
- 5p coins made from nickel-plated steel since January 2012
- 10p coins made from nickel-plated steel since January 2012
The Royal Mint explains that 1p and 2p compositions changed from bronze to copper-plated steel in 1992, while 5p and 10p coins changed from cupro-nickel to nickel-plated steel in 2011, with plated-steel coins entering production from 2012. The iron in the steel makes these coins magnetic.
Why do coins of the same denomination behave differently?
Older and newer compositions can circulate together. They may look almost identical, but their metal content is different. That is why one 1p or 5p coin may stick to a magnet while another of the same denomination does not.
The Royal Mint records that the 2p was made in both bronze and copper-plated steel in 1998. A magnet can suggest the composition, but it does not by itself prove that a coin is rare or valuable.
How to test a coin safely
Hold a small magnet near the coin and observe whether it is attracted. Avoid scraping or damaging the surface. A magnetic response identifies a metal property; it does not identify an error, a special issue, or a collector value.
Magnetic coins and their measurements
The composition change did not necessarily change how a coin looks in everyday use. For current weights and dimensions, see our UK coin-weights guide. Our guide to what UK coins are made from covers wider alloy changes.
For official composition dates and specifications, see the Royal Mint pages for the 1p, 2p, 5p and 10p.