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The one penny coin is currently the lowest circulating denomination of the British (decimal) Pound Sterling, after the half penny was demonetised in 1984. It was one of three new coins introduced into general circulation on the 15 February 1971 when the United Kingdom adopted a new decimal currency system. The other two new coins were the 1/2p and 2p coins (5p, 10p and 50p had been introduced earlier).
To avoid confusion between the old and new coinage all three coins initially had the word "NEW" incorporated into the reverse design; this was later removed.
Bronze was replaced for new coins with copper-plated steel in 1992. In 2008, a new design was introduced. The original coins are still current though, and circulate in parallel with the new ones. Coins issued in 1983 have now been circulating for 41 years.
One penny and two pence coins are legal tender only up to the sum of 20p; this means that it is permissible to refuse payment of sums greater than this amount in 1p and 2p coins in order to settle a debt.
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin shows the crowned and draped young bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (her effigy known as the "Second Portrait", by Arnold Machin).
The Queen wears the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" diamond tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary (Her Majesty's grandmother) in 1947 - which she also has on the Rank-Broadley and the Gottwald portraits.
Around, the monarch's legend and the date of issue: ELIZABETH · II D · G · REG · F · D · 1983. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith 1983.
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| Reverse | |
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Within a beaded circle, a crowned portcullis with chains - an adaptation of the Badge of King Henry VII and now the Badge of the Palace of Westminster.
Around above, the denomination ONE PENNY; below, the value as a numeral: 1. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
1 ONE PENNY |
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| Edge | Plain | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Krause lists proof mintage of 107,800 under KM# 927, but elsewhere 125,000 as mintage of the PS43 proof set.
Spink lists uncirculated set US02-1983 with mintage of 637,100 and proof set PS33-1985 with mintage of 107,800. |
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Search for United Kingdom: One Penny 1983 on eBay 