former british coin crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "former british coin crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "former british coin crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PENNY: A former British coin, historically worth one-twelfth of a shilling or one-240th of a pound sterling before decimalisation in 1971. It was a fundamental unit of British currency for centuries.
CROWN: A large silver or cupro-nickel coin, typically valued at five shillings (a quarter of a pound sterling). Crowns were often commemorative issues rather than everyday circulation coins, though they did circulate.
GROAT: An old English silver coin, originally worth four pence. Groats were first minted in the 14th century and continued in various forms until the 19th century, though they were not common by the 20th century.
6 Letters
GUINEA: An old British gold coin, first minted in 1663. Its value was originally twenty shillings, but later rose to twenty-one shillings. It was a significant unit of account, particularly in professional fees and auctions, even after it ceased to be minted.
8 Letters
FARTHING: The smallest denomination of pre-decimal British currency, worth a quarter of a penny. It was in circulation for many centuries, known for its small size and low value, and ceased to be legal tender in 1961.
SHILLING: A former British coin and unit of currency, equivalent to twelve pence or one-twentieth of a pound sterling. It was a widely used coin before decimalisation in 1971, often referred to colloquially as a 'bob'.
9 Letters
SOVEREIGN: A gold coin of the United Kingdom, originally valued at one pound sterling. First issued in 1489, it became a standard gold coin of the British Empire and is still produced as a bullion coin today, though not for general circulation.
More About "former british coin crossword clue"
The history of British coinage is rich and complex, offering a treasure trove of terms for crossword setters. Before 1971, the United Kingdom operated a non-decimal currency system where pounds, shillings, and pence co-existed. This intricate system, with 12 pence to a shilling and 20 shillings to a pound, provided a wide array of coin names, many of which have fallen out of everyday use but remain common knowledge for historical enthusiasts and, of course, crossword solvers.
Clues referring to "former British coins" often test knowledge of these historical denominations, ranging from the very small, like the farthing, to more significant units, such as the guinea or sovereign. Understanding their values, appearances, and the periods in which they were circulated can provide a significant advantage in solving these types of clues. Many of these coins have unique letter counts that make them perfect fits for specific crossword grids.
Beyond their practical use as currency, these coins are historical artifacts, reflecting the changing fortunes and priorities of the British monarchy and economy over centuries. They are a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, and their names continue to feature prominently in puzzles as a nod to this enduring heritage.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider historical context: When a clue mentions "former" or "old," immediately think about historical terms, especially currency, units of measurement, or antiquated professions.
- Check letter counts carefully: For clues like "former british coin crossword clue," many valid answers might come to mind. Always cross-reference the number of letters you have available in the grid with the length of the potential answer.
- Think about common crossword patterns: Some old coin names, such as PENNY, CROWN, or SHILLING, are very common crossword answers due to their distinctive letter patterns and general knowledge appeal.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the smallest former British coin?
The smallest former British coin in regular circulation before decimalisation was the Farthing, which was worth one-quarter of a penny. It ceased to be legal tender in 1961.
Why are old British coin names common in crosswords?
Old British coin names like Penny, Shilling, Crown, and Guinea are common in crosswords due to their distinct and often concise letter counts. They represent a rich part of history and general knowledge, making them excellent candidates for clues that test solvers' familiarity with historical terms.
When did Britain switch to decimal currency?
Britain switched to decimal currency on 'Decimal Day', February 15, 1971. Before this, the currency system was based on pounds, shillings, and pence, with 12 pence to a shilling and 20 shillings to a pound.