A Short History of the Halfcrown


Dating back to the reign of Henry VIII, the halfcrown has nearly a five-hundred-year history. It ceased to be legal tender on 1st January 1970 in preparation for “Decimal Day” in Britain, which happened the following year. It was equivalent to one-eighth of a pound, or two shillings and sixpence.

Here, we take a brief look back at the history of one of Britain’s last pre-decimal coins.

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The House of Windsor – George V

As the second son of Edward VII, George was never meant to be king of Britain. However, fate would intervene and this strict disciplinarian and devoted husband, would go from a career in the navy, to becoming a father figure of the nation, leading Britain into the 20th century where the world would rapidly change.

He would also change the name of the British royal family. In our latest blog of “The House of Windsor” series, we take a look at the life of George V.

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Queen Victoria – Greatest Achievements

Britain’s second longest reigning monarch, Queen Victoria, was on the throne for over 63 years, until her death on 22nd January 1901. She was the first British monarch to take up residence in Buckingham Palace, following the strict childhood that she had experienced growing up in Kensington Palace.

In the second blog of our “Greatest Achievements” series, we take a look at some of the achievements that she is most known for.

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A Brief History Of The Farthing

A Farthing

This year we are marking the 50th anniversary of decimalisation in Britain, or “Decimal Day” as it became known, by looking back at some of the most iconic British coins, which ceased to be minted following this momentous day for British coinage.

The farthing had actually stopped being minted fifteen years earlier in 1956, and it ceased to be legal tender in Britain on the 1st January 1961, but continued to be used in certain overseas territories until 1970. In recent memory, the farthing will be remembered for the little wren that adorned the reverse, and here, we take a brief look at its history.

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Queen Elizabeth II – Greatest Achievements

Loved by millions, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, at the time of writing this blog, has been on the throne for 69 years. An incredible achievement, which makes her Britain’s longest reigning monarch. But what of her other achievements?

In our latest blog series, we take a look at a number of British monarchs and look at the achievements for which we remember them the most.

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