Obverse

Reverse

1 New Penny

United Kingdom · 1971

A British bronze coin featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the badge of the Royal Palace of Westminster on the reverse.

Country: United Kingdom
Year: 1971
Denomination: 1 New Penny
Metal: Bronze (97% copper, 0.5% tin, 2.5% zinc)

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Identified August 25, 2026More united kingdom coins →

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Overview

A British bronze coin featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the badge of the Royal Palace of Westminster on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during decimalisation day (15 February 1971), when the UK transitioned its currency system from pounds, shillings, and pence to a decimal system based on 100 new pence to the pound.

Obverse (front)

First crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. Legend reads 'ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 1971'. Designed by Arnold Machin.

Reverse (back)

The Badge of the Royal Palace of Westminster (the Portcullis with chains and a crown), with the denomination 'NEW PENNY' arching above and the numeral '1' below. Designed by Christopher Ironside.

Estimated value

$0.10 - $0.50 circulated, up to $2.00 - $5.00 in uncirculated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition and original mint red luster greatly affect value, as millions were produced for general circulation.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS), showing minor circulation marks or toning but retaining most original mint luster.

Mintage & rarity

Very common (over 1.5 billion minted for the 1971 decimalisation introduction)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to massive mintage and low face value relative to production costs, counterfeiting is extremely rare for common circulation years like 1971.

Notable varieties & errors

Occasional minor mint errors such as clipped planchets or die cracks, but few major high-value varieties are known for 1971.

Similar coins

British one penny coins from subsequent years featuring Elizabeth II or later monarchs.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges using clean cotton gloves if uncirculated. Store in a dry, inert environment such as a mylar flip or coin capsule to prevent further oxidation.