Twopence 1848 (Circulating), Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

Twopence 1848 (Circulating), Coin from United Kingdom (demonetised 1971)
CoinTwopence 1848 (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. Apart from the surface quality, they are indistinguishable.

MintRoyal Mint Mint MarkNo mint mark Total Mintage 261,000
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Obverse
United Kingdom / Twopence 1848 (Circulating) - obverse photo

The obverse of the coin shows the young uncrowned effigy of Queen Victoria, facing left; the portrait is by William Wyon and is widely known as her "Young Head".

The Queen's hair is bound with a double fillet (ribbon) and collected into a knot behind.

Around, the monarch's legend: VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIAR: REGINA F: D:. Translated from Latin: Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith.

Obverse Inscription VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIAR: REGINA F: D:
Reverse

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: 1848.

Reverse Inscription 2 1848
EdgePlainEdge InscriptionNone
Notes

Not listed in Remick. According to Krause, these circulation coins were struck for use in British Guyana and the West Indies.

Twopence 1848 (Circulating): References to Information Used
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Twopence 1848 (Circulating): Details
CountryUnited Kingdom
CurrencyPound Sterling (pre-decimal)
Coin TypeTwopence (Circulating)
Issued1848
MonarchQueen Victoria
EffigyQueen Victoria - Portrait by William Wyon (Young Head)
Face Value2 (x Penny)
Total Mintage261,000
CurrentNo; demonetised 1971
Material0.925 silver
DesignerJean Baptiste Merlen
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationCoin Alignment (Axis 6)
Size13.0000 mm
Mass0.9400 g
OCC IDYMXK-DEKQ-CGMY-EWQJ
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Twopence 1848 (Circulating): Catalogue Reference IDs