The Old Definitive Silver Penny

Description

When Britain changed to decimal currency in 1971 the penny was a value which had no direct predecimal equivalent. The design features the a crowned portcullis.

First issued dated 1971 it was last minted with this design in 2008, although in the early 1990’s when the 5p, 10p and 50p were being reduced in diameter, it was changed from being minted from bronze to a copper-plated steel manufacture. It was only minted in sterling silver on four occasions – and of course a penny in silver is a traditional well-wishers gift for the birth of a new child along with other occasions.