A history of decimalisation
For hundreds of years Britain used a system of coinage based on twelve pennies to the shilling and twenty shillings to the pound. Find out more about pre-decimal currency and the changeover to the decimal coins we are familiar with today.
Pounds, Shillings and Pence
The pre-decimal currency system consisted of a pound of 20 shillings or 240 pence.
The Move to South Wales
In 1966 the decision to adopt a decimal currency system, required the Mint to strike millions of decimal coins.
London to Llantrisant Exhibition
Explore a virtual tour of our temporary exhibition celebrating 50 years of the Royal Mint in Wales.
Decimalisation
On 1 March 1966 the Chancellor of the Exchequer, James Callaghan, announced that the centuries-old £sd system would be replaced by a decimal currency.
Christopher Ironside
Christopher Ironside prepared the reverse designs for all new denominations introduced during decimalisation.
Demise of the Florin
When the old-sized 10p pieces ceased to be legal tender at the end of June 1993, florins of the former £sd coinage were removed from circulation.
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Film Collection
Not unnaturally, perhaps, film-makers have always been keen to record footage of the Royal Mint in operation.
The Royal Mint Advisory Committee
The Committee was established in 1922 with the personal approval of George V.