The British decimal Penny (1p) coin, produced by the Royal Mint, was issued on 15 February 1971, the day the British currency was decimalised. In practice, it had been available from banks in bags of £1 for some weeks previously. The coin, known at first as a "new penny", was initially minted from bronze, but since 1992 it has been minted in copper-plated steel . As this is less dense than bronze, post-1992 coins have been slightly thicker, as well as becoming magnetic. The coin weighs 3.56 grams and has a diameter of 20.32 millimetres.

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 one and two pence coins in order to settle a debt .

Design

The reverse of the coin, designed by Christopher Ironside, is a crowned portcullis with chains (an adaptation of the Badge of Henry VII which is now the Badge of the Palace of Westminster) , with the numeral "1" written below the portcullis, and either NEW PENNY (1971–1981) or ONE PENNY (1982–present) above the portcullis.

During the history of the coin, three different obverses have been used so far.

1971 - 1984

Between 1971 and 1984 the head of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin was used, in which the Queen wears the 'Girls of Great Britain and Ireland' Tiara.

The words New Penny were used up until 1981. From 1982 the words One Penny were used.

This version was minted in bronze.

1985 - 1997

Between 1985 and 1997 the head by Raphael Maklouf was used, in which the Queen wears the George IV State Diadem.

This version was minted in bronze until 1992. From 1992 copper plated steel has been used.

1998 onwards

Since 1998 one by Ian Rank-Broadley has been used, again featuring the tiara, with a signature-mark IRB below the portrait. In all cases, the inscription used is ELIZABETH II D.G.REG.F.D. year. Both sides of the coin are encircled by dots.

See also

• History of the British penny (1714-1901)
• History of the British penny (1901-1970)

References