When they wanted to know what the half of 1 was...
Prior to 1971 the currency was very complicated. There were 12 pennies in a shilling and 20 shillings in a pound. This was not suitable for modern international commerce and especially computers.
All of these denominations beloing to the old redundant British predecimal currency system used by many of the British Empire/Commonwealth countries. 5 Guineas (105 Shillings) - converted to £5.25 in decimal currency. 2 Shillings (1 Forin) - converted to £0.10 in decimal currency. 2 Florins (4 Shillings) - converted to £0.20 in decimal currency. 12 Pence (1 Shilling) - converted to £0.05 in decimal currency.
The decimal system refers to counting in tens and powers of tens and this system was used when Australia was colonised by Britain in 1788. Decimal coinage was introduced much later - in 1966.
1955
The question 'when was a decimal currency introduced' would not be answerable, because this is lost in the mists of time.However, the use of the words 'the decimal currency' indicates that the question refers to the conversion of the British pound (aka Pound Sterling) to decimal in 1971. The Brits are not known for being in a hurry to change things.
Britain adopted decimal currency in 1971.
At the same time as the rest of the UK - 1971
The Sixpence is part of a redundant or obsolete currency. At the time of Britain's conversion to decimal currency, the sixpence converted to 2.5 New Pence for which there was no equivalent coin.
On Monday 15 February 1971 Britain changed its currency to decimal from the old £ shillings and pence. We have now had decimal currency for 41 years. Correct as 22 March 2012
Prior to 1971 the currency was very complicated. There were 12 pennies in a shilling and 20 shillings in a pound. This was not suitable for modern international commerce and especially computers.
What was currency in Britain during the 1700s?
Decimal currency was officially introduced in Britain on "Decimal Day" the 15th of February, 1971, with the Half New Penny, 1 New Penny and 2 New Pence coins being issued. The 5 and 10 New Pence coins had been introduced much earlier in April, 1968, and the 50 New Pence coins were introduced in October, 1969. The new currency consisting of 100 Pence to the Pound replaced the old currency of Pounds, Shillings and Pence. 12 Pence to the Shilling, and 20 Shillings to the Pound.
LSD in British pre-decimal currency stands for pounds, shillings, and pence. It was the system used in Britain before decimalization in 1971, where there were 12 pence in a shilling and 20 shillings in a pound.
Australia did not start issuing cents until 1966 at the conversion to decimal currency.
The predecimal Halfpenny was withdrawn from circulation in 1971 after the introduction of decimal currency. The decimal Half Penny and Half New Penny was withdrawn and demonetised in 1984.
Pounds.
the currency in Britain is the Pound sterling which is the pound and pence