Coins of England and Great BritainDecimal Ten Pence

Decimal Ten Pence

The Ten Pence has been struck for Elizabeth II since 1968 and is still being struck today. Although decimalization did not occur until 1971 the Ten Pence was put into circulation in 1968 alongside the pre-decimal currency to help people get used to the new money before the complete change in 1971. There have been so far seven different types of Ten Pence.

1) New Ten Pence Type From 1968 to 1981 (1972 and 1978 as proofs only). The Ten Pence was made of a cupro nickel alloy having diameters of 28.50 millimetres and weigh approximately 11.31 grams. OBVERSE - Right facing portrait of a young Elizabeth II designed by Arnold Machin and the inscription "ELIZABETH·II D·G·REG·F·D" followed by the date. REVERSE - Large Lion standing wearing a crown designed by Christopher Ironsid with the number 10 beneath it and the inscription "NEW PENCE".

2) Type 2 From 1982 to 1984. It is identical to the first type in every way except for the reverse inscription which now reads "TEN PENCE".

3) Slightly Older Portrait Type From 1985 to 1992 (not for circulation). OBVERSE - Right facing portrait of a little older Elizabeth II redesigned by Raphael Maklouf and the inscription "ELIZABETH·II D·G·REG·F·D" followed by the date.

4) First Small Type From 1992 to 1997 (1993, 1994 and 1995 as proofs only). The Ten Pence was made smaller in 1992 having new diameters of 24.50 millimetres and new weigh approximately 6.5 grams.

5) Old Head Type From 1998 to 2007 (1998, 1999, 2005 and 2006 as proofs only). OBVERSE - Right facing portrait of a much older Elizabeth II redesigned by Ian Rank-Broadly and the inscription "ELIZABETH·II D·G·REG·F·D" followed by the date.

6) Old Head Partial Shield Reverse From 2008 to 2011. REVERSE - A small portion of the Royal Standard Shield designed by Matthew Dent with the inscription "TEN PENCE".

7) Nickel Plated Steel Type From 2008 to Now. For costing reason the coin is now made of nickel plated steel so now it is magnetic. The thickness of the coin has increased to keep the same weight.