Demonetisation

Introduction and Demonetisation of British Coinage

Up to the decimalisation of Britain's currency in February 1971 it was still possible to find coins in circulation, for example the penny and the halfpenny, that dated back to the nineteenth century. Other coins from as far back as the reign of George III, although not in active circulation, were nevertheless still legal tender.

The summary of pre-decimal coins set out below details what coins were generally to be found in circulation on the eve of decimalisation. It does not, therefore, include gold coins, Maundy Money or crown pieces, which were predominantly issued for commemorative ceremonial purposes.

Some pre-decimal coins, for example, the shilling and the florin, continued to be used under the decimal system before they were eventually withdrawn from circulation. For a complete listing of coins in circulation after decimalisation, therefore, reference should also be made to some of the pre-decimal coins.

Pre-decimal coins

Decimal coins