Catalog
1 New Penny - Elizabeth II
| Issuer | Guernsey |
|---|---|
| Year | 1971 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | 1.5 mm |
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| Obverse description | The Arms of Guernsey displayed on a shield, depicting three passant guardant leopards arranged in pale, occupies the central field. The shield is surrounded by a circular beaded border enclosing the Latin legend of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The design is rendered in a bold relief characteristic of the decimal coinage series introduced in 1971. |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) is depicted in full flight with wings outstretched, filling the central field. The denomination 'NEW 1 PENNY' arcs around the upper portion of the coin in two lines flanking the numeral '1', while the date '1971' appears in the lower exergue. The design was engraved by Paul Vincze and reflects the naturalistic style characteristic of Guernsey's decimal coinage series. |
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| Additional information |
Guernsey decimalized on February 15, 1971 — the same day as the United Kingdom — ending a currency system that had included the island's own shillings and doubles alongside sterling. The new penny issues were struck in advance and held ready for that single rollout date, meaning nearly all 1971-dated pieces entered circulation simultaneously rather than trickling in over months.
The bronze composition matched UK coinage of the period, though Guernsey retained the right to issue its own distinctive coinage under the bailiwick's autonomous status.