Why do i have a 1969 10 new pence ?

Question

decimiliation came in in 1972 in england

Answer 1

5p, 10p and 50p coins were introduced in 1968 to replace the 1 and 2 shilling coins and the 10 shilling note. The 5p and 10p coins were exactly the same size and weight, as well as the same value as the 1 shilling and 2 shilling coins and so were used as 1 shilling and 2 shilling coins up until decimalisation. After decimalisation, 1 shilling and 2 shilling coins continued in use for several years and were treated as 5p and 10p coins. The 50p coin was treated as 10 shillings up until decimalisation.

Answer 2

They started issuing decimal coins in 1968, to get people used to them. The full changeover came in 1971.

Answer 3

Decimalisaton was done gradually over several years.

In the old money, there were 12 pence to a shilling, and 20 shillings to the pound. After decimalisatione, there were 100 pence (or 'new pence' as they were referred to at the time) to the pound. This means that 1 shilling became 5 new pence (both are 1/20 of a pound, and 2 shillings became 10 new pence.

So, back to your question: As a shilling was exactly equivalent to 5 new pence, and 2 shillings to 10 new pence, the  decimalised '5 new pence pieces' were introduced in 1969, two years prior to decimalisation. They were the same size and value as an 'old' shilling, and were used as such. The 'old' 2 shilling piece was replaced by a '10 new pence piece', and again was axactly equivalent in size and value to the old 2 shilling/2 bob piece/florin. This was the start of getting people used to handling the new money, and happened in 1969.

That's why you have a decimalised coin predating the official change-over date (which, incidentallly, was 15 Feb 1971, not 1972 as you suggested).

Extra info in case you're interested:

Some time later (October 1969), the old 10 shilling note (a 'ten bob note') was withdrawn, and the new, seven-sided 50 new pence piece was introduced. They were exactly equivalent in value, and until decimalisation happened, were often referred to as 'ten bob bits', although clearly stamped '50 new pence'.

After 15 Feb 1971 there was a period when prices were displayed in both 'old money' and 'new money', and you could pay for things in one or other of the currencies, but not in a mixture.

After a while, all the old coins were withdrawn, and the country went completely decimal. An exception was made for the old 'tanner', or 6 old pence (half an old shilling, or 2.5 new pence). This remained in circulation for several years as a '2.5 new pence piece' although it was never stamped as such - the 'tanners' in circulation were all old coins, and labelled '6 d' (or six old pence). It remained in circulation until 30 June 1980, over nine years after decimalisation.

Once the 'tanner' had been taken out of circulation, decimalisation was complete. So, elevn years start-to-finish, and some coins introduced earlier than others, hence your 1969 ten pence piece.

<edit> contrary to what one answerer said, 10 pence was 2 shillings, not one. And the 10 pence coins have changed size since decimalisation, so the old ones are no longer in circulation. You'll find your 1969 10p piece is significantly larger than those you get in your loose change

Answer 4

The 10 pence piece was previously a shilling and as it didn't change in size, colour or weight, they have remained in circulation,