There is more to the Loch Ness Monster 10p than a long neck. Nessie rises from rippling water, with hills, clouds and a castle behind it. The large L sits to the left, leaving room for a small Scottish scene across the rest of the coin.
Nessie on a 10p
The nickname Nessie belongs to the Loch Ness Monster of Scottish folklore. On this design the creature has a curved neck, visible humps and a tail curling behind the letter. It gives L a playful character among the alphabet’s buildings, food and everyday objects.
The Royal Mint’s account of L places the coin in the tradition of British folklore. The scene is the appeal, whether you collect Scottish subjects or simply like the more imaginative reverses.
Pick 2018, 2019 or the pair
The same reverse appears in both years. Circulation mintages are 220,000 for 2018 and 84,000 for 2019. The date is on the portrait side.
A pair lets you collect both Nessie issues. If you need one L for a dated alphabet, choose that year from the comparison above.
Another landscape to explore
V: Villages offers a quieter place-related subject. It makes an interesting contrast with L’s watery scene if you enjoy the small landscapes in this series.
Bring the legends together
For a folklore pair, add K: King Arthur. You get the Round Table alongside Nessie without committing to a whole alphabet. Browse L in your preferred year to add Nessie to your collection.
Shop the 2018 L 10p · Shop the 2019 L 10p Our Nessie coins from both years are in Uncirculated condition.
L 10p coin facts and issue history
Recognise the design: Loch Ness creature with L. Both dates use this reverse; read the year on the Queen's portrait side.
- Denomination and metal
- 10p, nickel-plated steel
- Size and weight
- 24.5 mm, 6.5 g
- Edge
- Grained
- Design attribution
- The Royal Mint Team (reverse); Jody Clark (obverse)
These specifications are recorded in The Royal Mint's L issue archive. The official design proclamation describes the motif and edge.
Circulation mintage: 220,000 for 2018 L and 84,000 for 2019 L. These low circulation figures explain the rarity of these dated coins in change. They exclude collector editions and do not count the Uncirculated coins available today.
The alphabet series launched in March 2018. The 2019-dated circulation rollout began in February 2019, according to the original programme FAQ. For bags, cards and albums, see our packaging comparison.
Primary records checked 11 October 2026.