| Coin Type | Penny, Silver - circulating |
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The pre-decimal penny was a coin worth one two-hundred-and-fortieth of a pound sterling. A very short-lived silver version of the denomination was issued, which was too tiny to be practical and was soon discontinued. The coins were made of sterling (0.925) silver (0.0140 oz. ASW).
For the rest of the long life of the one penny denomination, the coins issued were in copper or bronze.
Coins of the same size and the same design as the silver circulating penny (but with proof-like finish) have been issued regularly since 1817 and continue to be released every year as part of Maundy sets; these are listed separately under "Maundy Penny" in the Non-Circulating Legal Tender section.
Some catalogues do not accept the existence of circulating silver one penny coins of this type and only list them in their Maundy sections. |
| Obverse | |
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Within a beaded border, the laureate head of King George III facing right.
Below, the date of issue [year]. Around left and right, part of the monarch's legend: GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA (translated from Latin: George the Third, by the Grace of God). |
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| Obverse Inscription |
GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA [year] |
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| Reverse | |
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At centre, the numeral value 1 [penny] below a St Edward's Crown; named after Saint Edward the Confessor, it has been traditionally used to crown English and British monarchs at their coronations since the 13th century (with a two-century gap between 1689 and 1911).
Within a beaded border around, divided by the crown, the rest of the monarch's legend: ยท BRITANNIARUM REX FID. DEF. (translated from Latin: King of Britain, Defender of the Faith). |
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| Reverse Inscription |
1 BRITANNIARUM REX FID: DEF: |
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| Edge | Plain | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | References to additional information:
[Book] Remick, Jerome. 1971. The Guide Book and Catalogue to British Commonwealth Coins., p 201 |
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