The 50p, Decimalisation and UK Currency
Decimalisation
The 50p entered circulation in readiness for the decimal switchover. Britain’s coinage system had remained unchanged for centuries but a number of Commonwealth countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa had already gone decimal. The momentum was firmly for change and in 1966 parliament decided that Britain should follow suit. Within five years the nation’s ancient system of coinage would be consigned to the history books.
Under the old system there were 20 shillings in £1, 12 pennies in 1 shilling and 240 pennies in £1, making decimalisation a huge undertaking both in terms of production of new coins and the overarching publicity required. People were used to way things were and change never comes easy.
Information campaigns ran frequently to help avoid confusion. Leaflets were posted through letterboxes, posters were put up in windows and television broadcasts scheduled to explain the new system. The BBC broadcast a series of five-minute programmes known as Decimal Five, while on ITV an elderly woman was taught to use the new decimal system by her grandson in Granny Gets The Point.
Decimalisation
The 50p entered circulation in readiness for the decimal switchover. Britain’s coinage system had remained unchanged for centuries but a number of Commonwealth countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa had already gone decimal. The momentum was firmly for change and in 1966 parliament decided that Britain should follow suit. Within five years the nation’s ancient system of coinage would be consigned to the history books.
Under the old system there were 20 shillings in £1, 12 pennies in 1 shilling and 240 pennies in £1, making decimalisation a huge undertaking both in terms of production of new coins and the overarching publicity required. People were used to way things were and change never comes easy.
Information campaigns ran frequently to help avoid confusion. Leaflets were posted through letterboxes, posters were put up in windows and television broadcasts scheduled to explain the new system. The BBC broadcast a series of five-minute programmes known as Decimal Five, while on ITV an elderly woman was taught to use the new decimal system by her grandson in Granny Gets The Point.
The process of designing Britain's decimal coins began in 1961, far earlier than you may imagine.
Decimalisation was the subject of passionate debate for centuries. Rationale presented by decimal enthusiasts was opposed by those who were cautious of the effects of a new decimal coinage system. Find out more in the story of the Decimal Debate.
Decimal Coinage - early in 1971 Britain's monetary system saw its biggest change for more than 1000 years. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of decimalisation, the Royal Mint invites you to explore the story of decimal coinage.
Christopher Ironside’s Decimal Designs
The process of designing Britain's decimal coins began in 1961, far earlier than you may imagine.
Making the Change to Decimal Coinage
The changeover to decimal currency affected the day-to-day lives of every British citizen in the United Kingdom. Find out how the Government prepared for Decimal Day by launching one of the most intensive publicity campaigns ever directed at the people of Britain.
