Ten Pences or Tenpences

Reverse of 2006 Silver Proof Ten Pence

Obverse of 2006 Silver Proof Ten Pence

Tenpences or Ten Pences
When it was introduced in 1968, the 10 New Pence coin was a direct substitute and replacement for the old Two Shilling coin which was also known as a florin. The silver florin was introduced in 1849, as a first step towards decimalisation. It must have been an obvious decision at the time, to make the tenpence to the same specifications as the existing coin of the same value. Actually, with the admitted benefit of hindsight, it may have been better to have made it smaller from the beginning, rather than change it later.

New Smaller Size
As early as 1992, it was thought practical to reduce the size and weight of most of our coins, partially to reflect their reduced spending power through long periods of inflation, and partly as a reflection of public preference for smaller, lighter coins. The Five New Pence coin, the replacement for the old shilling, had retained its previous specifications for a century and a half, from 1816 to 1967; even before 1816, its specifications had been similar since about 1662. In less than twenty years from decimalisation, its size was reduced. This is only a short timescale relative to the normal rate of change in coinage. Our guess is that the Government of the day must have known decimalisation would have its critics; it was blamed for inflation at the time, and that a simultaneous change to smaller sizes would have been inviting more opposition, and the obvious criticism and assumption that the new decimal coins were in some way inferior to, and worth less than the system which had worked well enough for a thousand years previously.
We conclude that the failure to change size at the time of decimalisation was a failure of government, either because of lack or foresight, or political cowardice.

• The Story of the Florin
  The history of the florin is the early history of the tenpence.

• 1992 Silver Proof Pair - Little & Large
  Issued as commemoratives, and for sale to collectors.

• 1992 Piedfort Silver Proof - New Small Diameter but Double Thickness
  Issued as a commemorative, and for sale to collectors.

• Coming Soon - Tenpence Story

If you want to find the value of a coin you own, please take a look at our page I've Found An Old Coin, What's It Worth?
There are more answers to be found on our Frequently Asked Coin Questions page.