British Decimal Coinage - penny

issued 1971-.

composition: bronze until 1992
copper-plated steel 1992-
weight: 3.56g
diameter: 20.32mm

1st obverse: Arnold Machin design of Queen Elizabeth II.
legend: D•G•REG•F•D•(date)||ELIZABETH•II
Dei Gratia, Regina, Fidei Defensor
(By the Grace of God, Queen, Defendor of the Faith)
used 1971-1984.

2nd obverse: Raphael Maklouf design of Queen Elizabeth II.
used 1985-1997.

3rd obverse: Ian Rank-Broadley design of Queen Elizabeth II.
used 1998-

1st reverse: by Christopher Ironside.
crowned portcullis with chains (the emblem of Parliament), 1 below, NEW PENNY above.
used 1971-1982.

2nd reverse: by Christopher Ironside.
crowned portcullis with chains (the emblem of Parliament), 1 below, ONE PENNY above.
used 1983-

1971 issued for circulation, also in Proof sets, also in the "Decimalization" blue wallets.
1972 issued in Proof sets only.
1973-1981 issued for circulation, also in Proof sets.
1982- issued for circulation, also in Proof sets, also in "Mint Set" blister packs.
*1992 bronze issued in Proof sets, also in "Mint Set" blister packs, copper-plated steel issued for circulation.
guide for type collectors:
KM#915 (1971-1981) [obverse 1, reverse 1]
KM#927 (1982-1984) [obverse 1, reverse 2]
KM#935 (1885-1992) [obverse 2, reverse 2] {bronze}
KM#935a (1992-1997) [obverse 2, reverse 2] {copper plated steel}
KM#986 (1998-) [obverse 3, reverse 2]

guide for circulation strike collectors:
1971,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983
1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995
1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004