British Coins

Collecting old British coins is like looking back on the history and development of England’s economy and currency, giving collectors a better understanding of how present British coins came to be.

Collecting old British coins may not be a surefire way to strike gold, it is a very meaningful hobby for those who enjoy having a relic of the British past. The denomination of these coins is usually in pence, pennies, and pounds that used to have names such as farthing, guinea, halfpenny, and shillings that are usually familiar from English literature dating back to the 17th - 19th century.

Two Pound Coin

The first Two Pound coin was issued in 1986. After several years, 6 versions of the two pound coins were also issued. A normal two pound coin weighs at 15.98 g and is 27.40 mm in diameter. In the end, there were 7 types of commemorative two pound coins with all kinds of designs on the reverse (e.g. 1st type: Thistle on Saint Andrew Cross) and text on the edges (e.g. 4th type: SIC VOS NON VOBIS).

Four Pence or Groat

The coin name “groat” was given to all thick silver coins during the Middle Ages as opposed to the deniers or pennies which are thin silver coins. The first English groats were taken from the continental gros tournois, issued during the reign of Edward I in 1279. They weighed at 89 grains and became more established during the reign of Edward III in 1351 with a lower weight of 72 grains.

Early Five Shillings or Crown of the Double Rose

The five shilling pieces were originally called the Crown of the Double Rose, which were first minted in the later half of the year 1526 and were the first English gold coins to have less than 23.5 carat. It was in 1551 when the first silver crown was issued showing Edward VI riding on horseback with a coat of arms in the reverse side.