Decimalisation (or decimalization) of currency was introduced in the United States in 1792.
Russia the first country to decimalise did it in 1710
France: 1795
Canada: 1854-1871
Sweden: 1855
Sri Lanka (then Ceylon): 1869
India: 1955
South Africa: 1961
Australia: 1966
United Kingdom: 1971
Irish Republic: 1971
England adopted the decimilisation system in 1971, although decimal coinage had been produced since 1968 in preparation for release as legal tender.
However, some pre-decimal currency remained in circulation for many years afterwards as they were the same size and shape as their decimal counterparts, and could double as decimal coinage. The old shilling piece became 5 new pence, and the two shilling piece 10 new pence- these were withdrawn in 1993 and 1992 respectively.
The old sixpenny piece was valued at 2.5 new pence, and was withdrawn in 1980.
The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland adopted their new decimal currencies on February 15, 1971.
10 July 1967
10th July 1967.
1961
1971
Prior to decimalisation, there were 240 Pennies in a British Pound. On decimalisation, there are 100 Pennies in a British Pound.
It was worth 12 pence in pre-decimalisation money
A Halfcrown was Two Shillings and Sixpence (or 30 old Pence), the equivalent of 12.5 New Pence at Britains decimalisation in 1971. A Halfcrown GBP in 1960 had the purchasing power of about £1.92 GBP today. NOTE - This historical conversion is the result of many calculations and considerations by a purpose designed program. The resulting answer should only be regarded as an approximation based on current exchange rates.
The sum of Four Pounds and Ten Shillings ceased to exist as a value at decimalisation in 1971. It converted to £4.50 GBP in decimal currency. Four Pounds and Ten Shillings GBP in 1971 had the purchasing power of about £42.61 GBP today. NOTE - This historical conversion is the result of many calculations and considerations by a purpose designed program for which I can take no credit. The resulting answer should only be regarded as an approximation.
The basic unit is the pound sterling ("pound", for short), currently worth about 1.33 Euro or 1.96 US dollars. The pound is divided into 100 "new pence" (so-called to distinguish them from the pre-decimalisation "old pence", of which there were 240 in a pound), however the word "new" has not appeared on coinage since 1982. Coins are minted in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pence as well as 1 pound and 2 pounds; banknotes are issued for 5, 10 and 20 pounds (larger notes exist, but are less commonly used). Since the five pence coin has the same value as the pre-decimal shilling, it is sometimes still referred to as a shilling. "Quid" is a common slang term for a pound.
Prior to decimalisation there were 240 pennies in 1 pound. This was stated as 240d = £1 One modern penny = 2.4 old pennies at the time of decimalisation in February 1971.
Four predecimal British Pennies convert to 1.666 New Pence at decimalisation.
In 1971.
1972
Prior to decimalisation, there were 240 Pennies in a British Pound. On decimalisation, there are 100 Pennies in a British Pound.
February 1971
1967
Prior to decimalisation in 1971 a Shilling was one twentieth of a Pound. At decimalisation, the Shilling converted to 5 New Pence.
Because the previous system was very complicated and computers and calculators would have had difficulty calculating in the old system which was superseded by decimalisation in 1971.
The British Shilling converted to 5 New Pence at decimalisation. The Australian and New Zealand Shillings, amongst many others, converted to 10 cents at decimalisation.
There is only standard form for decimalisation - no other option.
In the UK penny is abbreviated to p.Before decimalisation in 1971, penny was abbreviated to d