The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #44633   Message #660506
Posted By: Nigel Parsons
01-Mar-02 - 06:46 AM
Thread Name: BS: MATH PROBLEM
Subject: English Coins
CamiSu (sounds like an item of underwear!)

Skiing in Canada 3 yrs ago I was assured that quarters were available for all 12 territories (o.k. 10 provinces,2 territories) I managed to pick up most by carefully checking my change for a week.

Snuffy has correctly answered your query about Pounds Shillings and Pence, but as you appear to be interested numismatically, a little more detail can be added.
Additional coins in the range were available during the history of the coinage.
  • a groat: 4pence
  • A Crown: 5 shilling (1/4 pound)
  • Tuppence: 2pence (often claimed not to have existed Issued 1797)
  • 5 Pounds (usually commemorative these days, but "legal tender")
  • Guinea: one pound one shilling (now 1-05) These were a standard unit, much as the pound. Prices nowadays only mention guineas in the prices of Auction houses (antiques etc.,) and Horse Racing. The "Classic" races include the 1000 guineas, and the 2000 Guineas.
  • Apart from the guinea, coins were in circulation for 5Guineas, 2 Guineas, Half Guinea, Third Guinea, & Quarter Guinea. (having a base unit of one shilling=12 pence,fractions of 1/3 & 1/4 were easily understood, and quantifiable)
  • There were also (up til & into Victorian times) fractional coins Half Farthing, Third Farthing, and Quarter Farthing (1/3760th of a pound)
  • The threepenny bit (thrupp'nys is sometimes used as cockney rhyming slang for breasts) is interesting as it started as a silver coin (up until 1944) but ran alongside, and was replaced by a 12 sided Nickel-brass 3d from 1937. Edward VIII (1937)3d bits are highly sought after as they should have all been melted down because of the abdication. But some survive.


  • I think I've covered all the "English" circulation coins, but if not someone will surely correct me.