1970 Penny

Beautiful. Terrific photo.

quote:

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Here's my 1970 Proof predecimal penny that came in the mail today. the UK Mint minted a proof set of predecimal currency in 1970, even though decimalization occured already in 1967. So this is the "last" set of predecimals.

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Some clarification....

The switch to decimalization was decided in 1967 (Decimal Currency Act of July 1967), and production of decimal coinage began in 1968, but the official "switch" to the decimal system did not happen until February 15, 1971.

Although production of decimal coinage began in 1968, it was decided that all of the bronze pieces (½p, 1p & 2p) would only be struck with the date 1971. The CUNI pieces (5p & 10p in 1968, 50p in 1969) carry the actual date of striking.

Due to decreased spending value, the predecimal half-penny (½d) was de-monetized in 1969, making the 1970 half-pennies, in reality, merely "tokens" with no monetary value.

Due to the required amount of decimal coinage needed for availability for the 1971 changeover, no proof coins were struck between 1968 to 1971. The 1970 £.s.d. proof sets (which your penny comes from), along with the 1971 decimal proof sets were all actually struck in 1972.