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The pre-decimal fourpence (4d), sometimes known as a groat or fourpenny bit, was a coin worth one sixtieth of a pound sterling, or four pence. The coin was also known as a "joey" after the MP Joseph Hume, who spoke in favour of its introduction. It was a revival of the pre-Union coin. Before Decimal Day in 1971 there were two hundred and forty pence in one pound sterling. Twelve pence made a shilling, and twenty shillings made a pound. Values less than a pound were usually written in terms of shillings and pence, e.g. forty-two pence would be three shillings and six pence (3/6), abbreviated to "three and six" in common speech. Values of less than a shilling were simply written in terms of pence, e.g. eight pence would be 8d. The denomination was never too popular. In 1845, the circulating threepence was introduced to "afford additional convenience for the purpose of change". This new coin proved much more popular than the fourpence, and by the early 1850s it was decided there was no need for both coins. The final regular issue of groats was made in 1855, although proofs were minted in 1857 and 1858. The coins remained current in the United Kingdom and most colonies until 1887. In 1888 a special request was made for a colonial variety to be minted for use in British Guiana and the British West Indies. The groat remained in circulation in British Guiana right up until that territory adopted the decimal system in 1955. The composition of the coin is Sterling Silver (0.925 silver, equal to 0.0561 oz ASW). Note that there was also the Maundy fourpence, which is distinct and was never intended for circulation; it is still issued today. | ||||
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Coin Name | Reverse | Obverse | Details |
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Fourpence 1836 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 4,253,040 |
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Fourpence 1837 (William IV) |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 962,280 |
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Fourpence 1837 (Victoria, Proof only) |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: unknown |
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Fourpence 1838 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 2,150,280 |
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Fourpence 1839 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 1,461,240 |
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Fourpence 1840 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 1,496,880 |
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Fourpence 1841 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 344,520 |
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Fourpence 1842 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 724,680 |
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Fourpence 1843 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 1,817,640 |
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Fourpence 1844 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 855,360 |
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Fourpence 1845 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 914,760 |
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Fourpence 1846 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 1,366,200 |
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Fourpence 1847 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 226,200 |
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Fourpence 1848 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 712,800 |
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Fourpence 1849 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 380,160 |
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Fourpence 1851 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 31,300 |
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Fourpence 1852 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: unknown |
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Fourpence 1853 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 11,880 |
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Fourpence 1854 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 1,096,613 |
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Fourpence 1855 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 646,041 |
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Fourpence 1857 (Proof only) |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: unknown |
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Fourpence 1858 (Proof only) |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: unknown |
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Fourpence 1862 (Proof only) |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: unknown |
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Fourpence 1888 |
Material: 0.925 Silver Mint: Royal Mint Mintage: 120,000 |
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Country | United Kingdom |
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Currency | Pound Sterling (pre-decimal) |
From | 1836 |
To | 1888 |
Face Value | 4 (x Penny) |
Current | No (demonetised 1955) |
Material | 0.925 Silver |
Designer | Jean Baptiste Merlen |
Technology | Milled (machine-made) |
Shape | Round |
Orientation | Coin Alignment (Axis 6) |
Size | |
Mass | 1.8900 g |
Buy Silver Bullion Online |
Image | Details |
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Great Britain 1838 4 Pence (Groat)
Copyright: smarty_marty24 Notes: Common Britannia reverse (1836 - 1888). Source |
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Coin - Groat, William IV, Great Britain, 1836
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY Author: Justine Philip Notes: King William IV (1836 - 1837). Source |
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Great Britain 1849 4 pence
Copyright: CoinFactsWiki / CC BY-SA Author: Goldberg Coins and Collectibles Notes: Queen Victoria, Young head (1837 - 1858). Source |
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Coin - 4 Pence, British Guiana & West Indies, 1888
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY Author: Heath Warwick Notes: Queen Victoria, Jubilee head (1888). Source |