The one penny coin is currently the lowest circulating denomination of the British (decimal) Pound Sterling, after the half penny was demonetised in 1984. 1 penny equals 1/100th of a pound.
This 1p coin design replaced the earlier 1p design by Matthew Dent, which had been in circulation since 2008. The reverse depicts a hazel dormouse, and is part of the nature-inspired recoinage introduced to mark the reign of King Charles III, reflecting his interest in conservation and nature.
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.
1p coins issued in 2025 have now been circulating for less than one year.
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