|
Farthing:
Click here
to see a Farthing
A farthing was the
smallest unit of predecimal currency in the last 100 years. A farthing was one
quarter (1/4) of a Penny. The last Farthing was minted in 1956.
Half Penny:
(plural: Halfpence)
Click here
to see a Half penny
As the name
suggests a 'Half Penny' was worth one Half (1/2) of a Penny. So two farthings
also make up half a penny. The last half penny for circulation was dated 1967.
Penny (or 1D):
(plural: Pence)
Click here
to see a Penny
The penny was
really the basic unit of currency and had a lot more value than a modern 'New'
Penny. There were 240 Pennies in a pre-decimal pound (£). The last penny for
circulation was dated 1967.
Threepence (or
3D):
Click here
to see a Threepence
The Threepence, or
'thropence' as it is also referred to was equal to three pennies. There were
therefore eighty threepences in a pre-decimal pound (£). The last threepence
for circulation was dated 1967.
Sixpence (or
6D):
Click here
to see a Sixpence
Also called a
'Tanner'. Obviously worth Six Pennies. There were forty sixpences in a
pre-decimal pound (£). The last sixpence for circulation was dated 1967.
Shilling (or
1/-):
Click here
to see a Shilling
A shilling was
worth twelve pennies. There were 20 in the pre-decimal pound (£). The shilling
was replaced by the five new pence (1/20 of a decimal pound (£)). The last
shilling for circulation was dated 1967 although they were used as Five pence
pieces until the Five new pence (5p) coin was made smaller in 1990.
Florin (or Two
Shillings, 2/-):
Click here
to see a Florin
The Florin was
worth 24 pre-decimal pence or two shillings. It was introduced by the
Victorians in a step towards decimalisation, because it was worth one tenth of
a pre-decimal pound (£). The last florin for circulation was dated 1967
although they were used as Ten new pence (10p) until the ten pence coin was
made smaller in 1992.
Half Crown:
Click here
to see a Half Crown
All the previous
denominations have been worth double the denomination before them. That stops
with the florin because the Half Crown was worth 30 pre-decimal pence (or two
shillings and six pence). There were eight Half Crowns in a pound (£) The last
half crown for circulation was dated 1967.
Crown:
Click here
to see a Crown
A Crown was worth
60 pre-decimal pence or one quarter of a pound (£). Although in the last 30
years+ of the pre-decimal currency Crowns were really only issued to mark
special occasions. Crowns are still minted today and have been given a £5 face
value.
Half Sovereign
and Sovereign:
Click here
to see a Sovereign.
Sovereigns have a
face value of 20 Shillings (or one pound) and Half Sovereigns of 10 Shillings.
As they are made of 22ct Gold they have a much higher real value and were not
used as currency in recent years.
Chris Perkins 6th
January 2003.
Numismatic Advice
hub.
Read about grading
coins. |
