<P> The British decimal ten pence (10p) coin--often pronounced ten pee--is a unit of currency equalling ten one - hundredths of a pound sterling . Its obverse has featured the profile of Queen Elizabeth II since the coin's introduction in 1968, replacing the two shilling coin in preparation for decimalisation in 1971 . Four different portraits of the Queen have been used on the coin, with the latest design by Jody Clark being introduced in 2015 . The second and current reverse, featuring a segment of the Royal Shield, was introduced in 2008 . </P> <P> Five pence and ten pence coins are legal tender only up to the sum of £ 5; this means that it is permissible to refuse payment of sums greater than this amount in 5p and 10p coins in order to settle a debt . </P> <P> The ten pence coin was originally minted from cupro - nickel (75% Cu, 25% Ni), but since 2012 it has been minted in nickel - plated steel due to the increasing price of metal . From January 2013 the Royal Mint began a programme to gradually remove the previous cupro - nickel coins from circulation with replacement by the nickel - plated steel versions . </P> <P> As of March 2014 there were an estimated 1,631 million 10p coins in circulation with an estimated face value of £ 163.080 million . </P>

When did old 10p go out of circulation