Twopence (Circulating), Coin Type from United Kingdom - detailed information

Twopence (Circulating), Coin Type from United Kingdom (issued 1817 - 1848)
Coin TypeTwopence (Circulating)

The pre-decimal twopence (2d), also known as a "half groat", was a coin worth one one-hundred-and-twentieth of a pound sterling, or two pence. It was a very short lived denomination.

A large copper piece was issued in 1797 only (before the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was established on 1 January 1801, so technically belonging to Great Britain and not the UK). In 1817, silver twopence coins were issued for circulation, then again in 1818 and 1820, after which it was decided the coin was too tiny to be practical. During Queen Victoria's reign, they were issued again in three separate years, mainly for use in the colonies.

Coins of the same size and virtually the same design (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 Twopence in the NCLT section; apart from the surface quality, they are indistinguishable. For the modern denomination, see decimal twopence.

Obverse
United Kingdom / Twopence (Circulating) - obverse photo

Effigy of the ruling monarch, legend.

During the existence of the denomination, circulating silver twopence coins were issued for:
- King George III (1817 - 1820)
- Queen Victoria (1838 - 1848)

Obverse Inscription Legend of the ruling monarch
Reverse
United Kingdom / Twopence (Circulating) - reverse photo

Within an open oak wreath, the numeral value 2 [pence].

Above the value, 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).

Divided by the value, the date of issue: [year].

Reverse Inscription 2 [year]
EdgePlainEdge InscriptionNone
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Twopence (Circulating): Details
CountryUnited Kingdom
CurrencyPound Sterling (pre-decimal)
From1817
To1848
Face Value2 (x Penny)
CurrentNo (demonetised 1971)
Material0.925 silver
DesignerJean Baptiste Merlen
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationCoin Alignment (Axis 6)
Size13.0000 mm
Mass0.9400 g
Twopence (Circulating): Photos
ImageDetails
Twopence (Circulating): Photo Coin - Twopence, George III, Great Britain, 1818 Coin - Twopence, George III, Great Britain, 1818
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY
Author:
Notes: King George III reverse (1817 - 1820).
Source
Twopence (Circulating): Photo Coin - Twopence, George III, Great Britain, 1818 Coin - Twopence, George III, Great Britain, 1818
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY
Author:
Notes: King George III (1817 - 1820).
Source