Description
1971 ELIZABETH II HALF NEW PENNY BRONZE COINS LOT. Lot of eight bronze Queen Elizabeth II half new penny coins. The United Kingdom 1/2 penny coin was one of three new coins introduced into general circulation on 15 February 1971 when the United Kingdom adopted a new decimal currency system. The other two new coins were the 1p & 2p coins. Pound Sterling Currency, World International Foreign Money, Vintage World Coins, Pre Euro Coins, Vintage European Coin, Numismatic Collectibles & Memorabilia Weight 1.7800 grams / Diameter 17.14mm / Thickness 1.07 mm / Item circulated in vintage condition, refer to photos / AH13473 / Although these coins were not released until Decimalisation Day on 15th February 1971, HRH Philip, Duke of Edinburgh struck 6 of the new halfpennies at the opening of the new Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Glamorgan on 17th December 1968. The production of the ½ New Penny was necessary since the old sixpence (with a decimal face value of 2.5p) continued in use up until 1980 & merchants had the ability to charge in nearly as small units as they could previously with the old money. The Treasury continued to argue that the halfpenny was important in the fight against inflation until the coin became uneconomical to produce & consequently was demonetised & withdrawn from circulation in December 1984. Banks sent unused stocks back to the Royal Mint to be melted down, therefore less of the original mintage remains. Obverse Second crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain & Ireland tiara, legend around. Script: Latin Lettering: ELIZABETHII DGREGFD1975 Unabridged legend: Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensatrix Translation: Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God Queen Defender of the Faith Engraver: Arnold Machin Reverse Central crown of St. Edward, denomination in letters above & numerals below. Script: Latin Lettering: NEW PENNY ½ Engraver: Christopher Ironside Edge Plain Mint Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date) Queen Elizabeth Ii Of The United Kingdom, Vintage 1971 Great Britain Half New Penny Bronze Coins Circulated, Pound Sterling Currency Money
