Coins of England and Great Britain

('Coins of the UK')

by Tony Clayton


Decimal Half Penny


The Change to Decimal Coinage <<-- : -->> Decimal One Penny

Values of Decimal Half Penny coins
Pictures of Decimal Half Penny Coins


This small coin weighed 1.78 grams and was 17.14 mm diameter, making it the smallest circulation coin of the decimal series in size as well as denomination.

The design was simple, with the reverse showing a crown with 1/2 below and NEW PENNY at the top. The obverse of all the half pence consists of the First Portrait, with inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D (date)

This initial design was issued annually from 1971 to 1981, although coins dated 1972 were only issued in Proof Sets.

In 1982 it was considered that the word NEW was now obsolete, and the reverse legend changed to HALF PENNY.

This second design was minted from 1982 to 1984. Coins dated 1984 were not issued for circulation, and were only issued in Mint Sets and Proof Sets, as the usefulness of the coin had been diminished by inflation.

The coin was demonetised and withdrawn in December 1984.


Acknowledgements

See my Main Coins Index page for acknowledgements


Links

The Change to Decimal Coinage <<-- : -->> Decimal One Penny
Main Index
Values Index
Values of Decimal Halfpence
Pictures Index
Pictures of Decimal Halfpence

Help and Advice


Decimal Coins of UK - The Decimal Halfpenny
Copyright reserved by the author, Tony Clayton
v16 10th October 2024