Exploring British Predecimal Currency: Pennies, Coppers, and Thruppenny Bits

Introduction

In the rich tapestry of British history, the predecimal currency system offers fascinating insights into the daily lives of our ancestors. From the tanner, a sixpence coin, to the vast array of smaller denominations, each coin had its unique story. This article delves into the intricacies of the predecimal British currency, exploring the various coins that defined a significant era in British monetary history.

The Tanner, a Sixpence Coin

In the context of British currency, a tanner was a sixpence coin, worth six pennies. To better understand its value, we can break it down thus:

6 pence (tanner) times; 12 pennies/pence 72 pennies

Thus, there are 72 pennies in a tanner. This interesting fact adds to the rich terminology of British coinage.

Other Coins and Their_names

Exploring further into the predecimal coinage, we encounter some lesser-known and intriguing coins. For instance, the thruppence coin, worth three pennies, was initially referred to as a thruppeny bit. Over time, it evolved into a beautiful twelve-sided coin. Another coin of note is the tuppence, representing two pennies, though not a single coin itself.

A Deeper Look at British Predecimal Coinage

From the penny to the guinea, the predecimal currency system featured an extensive range of denominations. Here is a comprehensive list, highlighting the various coins and their values relative to the pound sterling:

Quarter Farthing

- Mined for use in Ceylon (1/16th of a penny) - Legal tender, particularly used in the UK up to 1869

Third Farthing

- Mined for use in Malta (1/12th of a penny) - Legal tender until 1969, rendered obsolete in 1969

Half Farthing

- Mined for Ceylon (1/8th of a penny) - Legal tender until 1969, demonetised in 1969

Farthing

- Legal tender until 1969, demonetised on 1st Jan 1961

Halfpenny

- Commonly used until demonetised on 1st Jan 1970

Penny

- Value of one penny (1/12th of a shilling, 240 to the pound) - Commonly used until demonetised on 1st Jan 1970

Thruppence (Three Penny Coin)

- Smallest of our silver coins - Weighted at 0.7g, 12mm in diameter - Legal tender until 1971

Twopenny (Cartwheel Coin)

- Weighed 2 oz and 1.6 inches in diameter - Demonetised in 1860

Groat (Four Pence Coin)

- Officially demonetised in 1858 - Still used in Maundy money

Sixpence (Tanner)

- The smallest coin to survive decimalisation - Successfully defended against demonetisation in 1980 - Commemorative silver six pence coins minted from 2016

Shilling (A Bob)

- Worth 12 pennies - Commonly used until 1990 - Transformed into a 5p coin with drastically reduced size

Florin (Two Shillings)

- Introduced in 1847 as a step towards decimalisation - Became a 10p coin - Suffered the same fate as the 5p

Half Crown (2/6 or 30 Pence)

- Mined from 1807 until demonetised on 1st Jan 1970 - Often referred to as "half a dollar"

Crown (Five Shillings)

- Too large for common usage as a coin - Popular for commemorative coins - Valued at ￡5 as of 1990

Guinea (One Pound and One Shilling)

- The largest value coin in predecimal British currency - Used for high-value transactions

Conclusion

The predecimal British currency system is rich with history, offering a unique glimpse into the cultural and economic aspects of our past. From the tanner to the guinea, each coin tells a story of a time that is now mostly forgotten. Studying these coins helps us understand the intricacies of a bygone era and the evolution of modern British currency.