Exchange British Pre-Decimal Coins and Banknotes

If you’ve discovered a stash of old coins or banknotes at the back of a drawer, in an attic, or passed down through family, you may be wondering whether your pre-decimal currency still holds any value. Although the UK switched to decimal currency in 1971, millions of pre-decimal coins and notes are still sitting unused in households across the country.

The good news is that while these coins and banknotes are no longer legal tender, you can still exchange them and unlock value from your unwanted currency. Whether you’re holding a few “thrupenny bits” or an old “ten bob note,” specialist exchange services like Cash4Coins can help you turn your pre-decimal money into spendable cash or charitable donations.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What pre-decimal coins and notes are

• Which denominations were used in the UK before decimalisation

• How to exchange old coins and notes today

• FAQs about the process, value, and redeemability

What Are Pre-Decimal Coins and Notes?

Before 1971, Britain used a monetary system based on pounds, shillings, and pence (LSD):

• £1 = 20 shillings

• 1 shilling = 12 pence

• £1 = 240 pence

This made the system more complicated than today’s decimal currency, where £1 = 100 new pence.

When decimalisation came into effect on 15 February 1971 (“Decimal Day”), all pre-decimal coins and notes were gradually withdrawn from circulation. However, many people kept them as souvenirs, keepsakes, or forgot about them in jars, tins, and drawers.

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List of Pre-Decimal Coins

The following coins were part of everyday spending in Britain before 1971:

• Farthing – ¼ penny (withdrawn in 1960)

• Halfpenny (Ha’penny) – ½ penny

• Penny – 1d

• Threepence (Thruppence / Thrupenny Bit) – 3d (silver or brass 12-sided version)

• Sixpence (Tanner) – 6d

• Shilling – 12d (equivalent to 5p today)

• Florin (Two Shillings) – 24d (10p today)

• Half Crown – 2s 6d (30d)

• Crown – 5 shillings (60d)

• Half Sovereign – gold coin worth 10 shillings

• Sovereign – gold coin worth £1

• Guinea – worth 21 shillings (last issued early 19th century but still collected)

List of Pre-Decimal Banknotes

Banknotes from the pre-decimal era included:

• 10 Shilling Note (“Ten Bob Note”)

• £1 Note

• £5 Note

• £10 Note

• £20 Note

• £50 Note (less common)

Many of these designs are now collectable and sought after by numismatists (coin and banknote collectors).

Can You Still Exchange Pre-Decimal Currency?

Yes! Although banks no longer accept pre-decimal coins and notes, specialist services like Cash4Coins will buy them. This includes:

• Pre-decimal coins (all denominations)

• Pre-decimal notes (including ten shilling notes and old £1 notes)

• Damaged, worn, or even part-collections

• Bulk quantities from charities, businesses, or estates

At Cash4Coins, we help:

• Individuals looking to cash in a small jar of coins or notes

• Charities that receive old money donations

• Businesses clearing out cash offices, tills, or vaults

• Collectors who want to sell unwanted duplicates

How to Exchange Pre-Decimal Coins and Notes

The process is quick and straightforward:

1. Bag up your coins and notes – Gather up any old pennies, shillings, sixpences, or notes you want to exchange.

2. Send them securely – Use Cash4Coins’ collection service for notes or courier options for heavier coins.

3. We count and sort them – Using professional sorting and valuation equipment.

4. Get paid fast – Receive payment direct to your bank or donate to a charity of your choice.

It’s hassle-free, secure, and you’ll know exactly how much your old coins and banknotes are worth.

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Why Exchange With Cash4Coins?

• Trusted by UK charities, banks, supermarkets, airports, attractions, and police forces

• Fast payment — usually within 48 hours of receipt

• Accepts all old coins and notes, even damaged or worn

• Option to donate directly to charity

• Competitive rates and a transparent process

FAQs About Exchanging Pre-Decimal Coins and Banknotes

1. Are pre-decimal coins worth anything today?

Yes — while no longer legal tender, pre-decimal coins can be exchanged through Cash4Coins. Some rare coins may also carry collector value, depending on age, condition, and minting errors.

2. Can I take pre-decimal coins to a bank?

No. High street banks and the Bank of England no longer accept pre-decimal coins. Only specialist exchange services will convert them.

3. What about pre-decimal banknotes?

Pre-decimal banknotes (such as the 10 shilling note) are no longer redeemable at banks. However, Cash4Coins will exchange them, and collectors may also pay a premium for certain designs.

4. Do you accept damaged or corroded coins?

Yes. Even damaged or worn coins can be exchanged. Our sorting process ensures maximum value is recovered.

5. How quickly will I get paid?

Most customers receive payment within 48 hours of their coins and notes being processed.

6. What else do you exchange?

We exchange all foreign coins and notes, all pre-decimal and pre-euro coins and notes and any leftover currency.

Final Thoughts

Millions of pounds worth of pre-decimal British coins and banknotes remain unspent and forgotten in households across the UK. Instead of letting them gather dust, you can exchange them quickly and easily with Cash4Coins.

Whether you’re an individual, a charity, or a business, exchanging old coins and notes is a smart way to unlock hidden value and put old money back to good use.

 

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