One New Penny

United Kingdom · 1971

A British bronze coin featuring the second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the badge of the Royal Palace and Fortress of Whitehall (the Portcullis with chains) 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 September 8, 2026More united kingdom coins →

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Overview

A British bronze coin featuring the second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the badge of the Royal Palace and Fortress of Whitehall (the Portcullis with chains) on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the crucial decimalisation period in the United Kingdom, when British currency transitioned from the old £sd (pounds, shillings, pence) system to a decimal system on Decimal Day, February 15, 1971.

Obverse (front)

Second crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, surrounded by the legend 'ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 1971'.

Reverse (back)

The Badge of the Prince of Wales (a portcullis with chains and surmounted by a coronet), with the denomination 'NEW PENNY' arched above and the numeral '1' below.

Estimated value

$0.25 to $2.00 depending on condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition and preservation of original copper color (red vs. brown), though common dates carry mostly face or nominal collector value.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (minor circulation wear with original mint luster largely faded)

Mintage & rarity

Very high mintage (over 1.5 billion struck in 1971), making it extremely common.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits are virtually nonexistent due to the low face value and massive mintage quantities.

Notable varieties & errors

Various proof issues and minor die varieties exist, but standard circulation strikes are uniform.

Similar coins

British decimal pennies from later years (which say 'ONE PENNY' instead of 'NEW PENNY' after 1981).

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry environment in a non-PVC coin flip or holder. Do not clean, as harsh cleaning or polishing severely damages the numismatic value.