Pre-Decimal UK Coinage

[Felix/FFDS]

My son, recently returned from deployment, suffered (ha! - he'd return in a second) through a few days R&R while the ship visited Portsmouth.  

Among the gifts he brought back was a set of pre-decimal coins, Shilling, Half-Crown, Florin, ha'penny, penny, farthing, threepence (2 sizes) and a sixpence.

I did spot in http://www.24carat.co.uk/denominations.html: "There were of course 20 shillings to the pound, twelve pence to the shilling, and therefore 240 pence to the pound."

so at least that's given me an idea.... and a farthing was a quarter-penny... a half crown ends up 2/6d, and a crown is 5/-  

all obvious now ....  

[Professor Brensec]

I remember a discussion not long ago about the new and old currency in the UK and Australia. I don't recall the 'crown' being mentioned. If it had been, I would have asked what it was.

So thanks Felix, we never had a 'crown' here, so now I know what one is.
Was there a coin worth a Crown?  ???

[Felix/FFDS]

Yes - although apparently most appear to have been "special issue" memorials ...

http://www.24carat.co.uk/crownsindx.html

[quote]I remember a discussion not long ago about the new and old currency in the UK and Australia. I don't recall the 'crown' being mentioned. If it had been, I would have asked what it was.

So thanks Felix, we never had a 'crown' here, so now I know what one is.
Was there a coin worth a Crown?

[Hagar]

Hehe I missed this one. A discussion between an American & an Australian on UK currency. LOL  :P
Actually, Felix explains it very well. The crown was official currency (much like the US silver dollar) but I never found one in my pocket.  If I had, I would probably have saved it. Most shopkeepers would have refused to accept it & suspected it was a foreign coin. The same goes for the golden guinea (worth 21 shillings). I don't remember ever seeing one of those except in an antique shop window.

[Smoke2much]

Just to chip in to the conversation, horses are still traded in Guineas.  I can't remember how much one is worth tho'.

Will

[Hagar]

[quote]Just to chip in to the conversation, horses are still traded in Guineas.

[Fozzer]

[quote]Just to chip in to the conversation, horses are still traded in Guineas.

[Smoke2much]

Thanks guys.  Next time I buy a horse I'll know how much I'm paying.

Will