DetectingWales.com

I thought this would be hand for anybody that has forgot pounds shillings and pence system.

There were twenty (20) shillings per pound.
The shilling was subdivided into twelve (12) pennies.
There were therefore two hundred and forty (240) pennies per pound.
The penny was further sub-divided into two halfpennies or four farthings (quarter pennies).

Threepences are self explanatory, being worth three pence. They were struck in silver until 1944, and in nickel-brass (referred to as brass) from 1937. The common name for the old silver threepences was "Joey". The word threepence would often be pronounced as though there was only a single middle "e", therefore "thre-pence".
Sixpences again are self explanatory, being worth six pence. They were also known as tanners.
Florins or two shilling pieces were, just as obviously worth two shillings, and would also be referred to as "two bob".
Ten shilling notes were in use from the time of the first world war, replacing the half sovereign, which had a value of ten shillings, but was never referred to as a "ten shilling coin", always "half sovereign", although the amount it represented would be expressed as "ten shillings" (or ten bob).
Up to World War I, the gold sovereign was the primary high value coin in circulation, but again the amount of money it represented would be referred to as a pound. It was effectively replaced by a banknote from this time.
Two pound pieces did not generally circulate, and were only issued on special occasions.
Five pound coins also did not enter regular circulation, and were only issued on special occasions.
The guinea came into being because of fluctuations in gold and silver bullion values. A guinea coin was issued between 1663 and 1813. Even after guinea coins ceased to circulate, the term guinea remained in use as a unit of value or account. It had a value of twenty one (21) shillings, or one pound and one shilling.

Thanks Ian , didnt know half of that!

Can any oldies remember calling a threepenny bit a "thrud"?

Richy.

I can't remember a 'thrud' but we used to call them ' thrummers' and another useful bit of info. the word a 'Farthing' comes from four things!! When a penny was cut into half to make a cut half and into four to make four things (farthings).

                                            Pat. ::) ::)

The term pounds steriing originates from norman times the moneyers of anglo saxon origin  were called easterlings by thier norman masters  :)royaltea dai