What was the UK currency before decimalisation?

The pre-decimal currency system consisted of a pound of 20 shillings or 240 pence, though at first there were no coins corresponding in value to the shilling or the pound. Below you can see a breakdown of the British coinage system prior to decimalisation.

When did the UK introduce decimal currency?

On Monday 15 February 1971, Britain went decimal, however 40 years after the first decimal coins entered circulation it was time for rejuvenation. Discover the inspiration behind Matthew Dent’s new designs.

What was the old UK currency called?

Old money mainly comprised of three units of currency: the penny, the shilling and the pound. These currencies were used in the UK until 15 February 1971. There were 12 pence (d) in every shilling (s) and 20 shillings (s) in every pound (£).

When did UK stop using shillings?

The shilling was phased out of the British system of coinage beginning in 1971, when a decimal system based on 100 new pence to £1 was introduced. The schilling was the Austrian currency until 2002, when it was replaced by the euro as the country’s sole currency.

When did pounds and pence replace shillings?

15 February 1971
The anniversary of Decimal Day on Monday 15 February 1971 marks when Britain finally moved to a system based on units of 10. Under the old system, which had been in place for hundreds of years, there were 12 pence in a shilling and 20 shillings, or 240 pence, in a pound.

What can I do with old pre-decimal coins?

If you are willing to give the benefit of any value your old coins may have to a good cause, then most major charities will accept pre-decimal coins. Age UK, for example, which sells on old coins for scrap value, says people are best off bringing them into the charity’s high street shops.

What pre-decimal coins are worth money?

The most valuable rare English coins from history – and how much they’re worth

  • 1917 George V sovereign London mint. (Photo: The Royal Mint)
  • 1933 George V penny. (Photo: The Royal Mint)
  • 1937 Edward VIII brass threepence.
  • 1983 New Pence 2p coin.
  • 1996 football European Championships gold proof two pound.

Why was sixpence called a Tanner?

Tanner – this alternative name for the sixpence probably dates from the early 1800s and seems to have its root in the Romany gypsy ‘tawno’ which means ‘small one’.