Coins have played an essential role in human civilization for thousands of years. They not only served as a medium of exchange but also as a reflection of a nation’s history, culture, and economic development. Among the most captivating and historically significant coins are the old British coins, which offer a fascinating journey through time. In this article, we explore the rich history and unique characteristics of these coins, from the farthing and the shilling to the half penny.

What are Old British coins?

Old British coins refer to the historical coins that were used in the United Kingdom before the adoption of the decimal currency system in 1971. These coins span a wide range of time periods and can be categorised into various historical eras, each with its own unique designs, denominations, and materials.

Notable old British coins include:

The sixpence – The sixpence, or ‘sixpenny bit’ was a form of British currency until 1980 and began circulation during the reign of Edward VI. It’s a popular coin, and to this day, remains symbolic in Britain’s culture. It’s found its way into a number of traditions and superstitions and is most commonly known for it’s luck and charm. Find out more about this special coin with our guide to the lucky sixpence.
The farthing – Dating back to the 13^th century, the farthing coin is coveted by many. Known for being the smallest denomination of British currency for centuries, the farthing had a worth of one-fourth of a penny. It was commonly used as currency until it was phased out of circulation in 1960. Our guide to the history of the farthing offers more information if you’re intrigued to learn about this fascinating coin.

The halfpenny – Historically pronounced as a ‘hayp-knee’ or ‘hay-punce,’ the halfpenny coin was a small bronze coin and was the smallest decimal coin in both size and value. It weighed 1.78g and was worth £0.005. The unpopular coin only last 13 years in circulation and was phased out in 1984 after the introduction of decimalisation in 1971.

Learn more about halfpenny with our guide.

The threepence – This uniquely shaped coin was traditionally made from silver and featured the reigning monarch’s portrait on the obvers, while the reverse included a variety of intricate designs throughout its time in circulation. The threepence featured a heptagon shape, unlike most round coins, and was easily identifiable amongst other coins in circulation. Known as Britain’s first non-circular coin, the threepence holds a fascinating place in Britain’s coinage history. Our guide to the history of the threepence explores more about its origin and how it came to be phased out of circulation in 1971.

The shilling – Introduced at the beginning of the 16^th century, the shilling was equivalent to one-twentieth of a pound and was used in many British Commonwealth countries alongside the UK. In 1971, the new five pence piece superseded the shilling and both remained in circulation until 1991 when the five pence coin was reduced in size.

The half crown – A denomination worth two shillings and six pence (known as ‘two and six’), the half crown was first issued in 1549 until they were discontinued in 1970. This distinctive silver coin featured a half-crown image on one side, giving it its name and was a widely circulated denomination for centuries. Notable for its intricate designs, the coin depicted various British monarchs over the years, reflecting the changing faces of the nation’s royalty.

The florin – Initially minted in .925 sterling silver, the florin had a face value of two shillings, equivalent to one-tenth of a pound. The florin was designed by engraver William Wyon, featuring a distinctive Gothic-style depiction of a Tudor rose on the reverse side and a portrait of Queen Victoria on the obverse. It was a popular coin due to its convenient decimal value and was known as the ‘two-bob bit.’

Now you know more about the former British coins, why not explore some of the rarest coins in the UK with our fascinating guide, exploring what makes a rare coin and what to look out for in your spare change.

Collecting Old British coins

Many collectors are often in search of rare and valuable old British coins to add to their portfolio, and for good reason, as some of these coins fetch remarkable prices at auction.

Coveted for their connection to the past and the symbolism of Britain’s fascinating history, these coins hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and numismatists alike. A professional coin grader can determine the value and condition of a rare or special coin, especially for collectors looking to add to their portfolio. Some of the rarest coins can be worth hundreds and thousands of pounds, like one of the two incredible threepenny 1945 dated coins which sold for £50,000 at auction in March 2020.

Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby, not least because of the wonderful variety of coins to discover. Our guide to coin collecting offers inspiration and advice for beginners looking to start their own adventure into the world of numismatics.

After the decimalisation in 1970, Britain moved to an alternative coinage system. Nowadays there are 8 denominations in circulation; the one pence coin two pence, five pence, ten pence, twenty pence, fifty pence, one pound and two pound coins alongside the series of bank notes that range from five pounds to fifty pounds. You can learn more about Britain’s current denominations in our comprehensive guide.

Whether you’re a collector or simply have an appreciation for old and rare coins, there’s no denying the historical significance of Old British coins and the impact they’ve had on Britains coinage system.

Numismatists and history enthusiasts often seek out these coins to explore the rich history of the UK through the tangible artifacts of the past. The designs, materials, and denominations of these coins have evolved over centuries, making them a fascinating area of study and collection. If you’re looking to own your own piece of history, shop our collection of coin jewellery and accessories to find your own unique and rare coin.

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