When did the 1p change size?
15 February 1971
The United Kingdom 1p 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….
| Issue Date | 15 February 1971 |
|---|---|
| Specifications | |
| Diameter | 20.3mm |
| Weight | 3.56g |
| Thickness | Bronze: 1.52mm Copper-plated steel: 1.65mm |
How big is a 1p coin?
Penny (British decimal coin)
| Value | 0.01 pound sterling |
| Mass | 3.56 g |
| Diameter | 20.3 mm |
| Thickness | (Bronze) 1.52 mm (Steel) 1.65 mm |
| Obverse |
|---|
Are there special 1p coins?
Back in 1971 the Royal Mint introduced the modern 1p piece. It struck and incredible 1.5 billion of them in the first year alone. Since then they have undergone very few changes. An incredible 1,521,666,250 “New” 1p coins were struck in 1971 as Britain moved to a decimal currency.
Is a 1971 New penny worth anything?
A more common find is the 1971 ‘new penny’. These coins are from the first run after decimalisation was introduced, when Britain switched its standard to 100 pennies in the pound. A 1971 penny could fetch a premium, with one recently selling for £5.99 on eBay.
Are 1p coins legal tender?
Amazingly the British Coinage Act (1971) states that 1p and 2p coins are only legal tender up to the value of 20 pence. From a legal perspective the meaning of ‘legal tender’ is that you can’t be sued for not paying a debt as long as you give the right amount of money in ‘legal tender’.
What is the oldest 1p?
The 1p was first issued in 1971 (although 1971 coins were actually made available earlier in blue folders to enable the public to become familiar with them).
Why is the 1971 penny rare?
The 1971 penny is made from a composition consisting of 95% copper and 5% zinc. Because the value of the coin’s copper content exceeds 1 cent, all 1971 pennies are automatically worth more than face value and are therefore worth keeping.
Why is 1971 2p rare?
It’s from 1971 – when decimalisation was introduced – and is half silver, half copper. It’s likely the coin has been tarnished and tampered with over the decades rather than a mistake being made during the minting process, which makes it less valuable for collectors.
What do I look for in old pennies?
Most pennies are worth 1 cent, but to coin collectors, some are worth more than their weight in gold….Hunting for precious pennies
- 1943 Bronze Lincoln.
- 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse.
- 1992 Close AM Reverse.
- 1972 Doubled Die Obverse.
- 1995 Doubled Die Obverse.
- 1999 Wide AM Reverse.