Exchange pre-decimal Coins

Exchange pre-decimal coins and notes for cash right now!

We receive many requests from people like you who have old pre-decimal coins and notes that they would like to exchange for cash. If you have any pre-decimal British coins and would like to exchange them, then we’d be delighted to help. We exchange pre-decimal coins for charities, private individuals, schools, hospitals and businesses – try us out today.

Why Should I Exchange Pre-Decimal Coins with Cash4Coins?

• We exchange ALL pre-decimal coins AND notes, regardless of age or condition

• We also exchange ALL old British and Irish coins and notes

• We exchange ALL foreign coins and banknotes

• We offer fast payment and guarantee the best exchange rates

• Free and subsidised collection services available

• 100% satisfaction guarantee

Start Your Exchange Here

British Pre-Decimal Coins We Accept

• Farthing (¼ of a penny)

• Halfpenny (Ha’penny)

• Penny

• Threepence (Thruppence/Thrupenny bit) – brass 12-sided or earlier silver version

• Sixpence (Tanner)

• Shilling (1/-) – 12 pence

• Florin (Two Shillings) – 24 pence

• Half Crown – 2 shillings and 6 pence (30 pence)

• Crown – 5 shillings (60 pence)

• Half Sovereign (gold coin worth 10 shillings)

• Sovereign (gold coin worth £1)

• Guinea (worth 21 shillings — last issued early 19th century, still found in collections)

British Pre-Decimal Banknotes We Accept

• 10 Shilling Note (“Ten Bob Note”)

• £1 Note (pre-decimal)

• £5 Note (pre-decimal design)

• £10 Note (pre-decimal design)

• £20 Note (pre-decimal design)

• £50 Note (pre-decimal design, less common)

Comparison: Pre-Decimal vs Decimal Currency

Pre-Decimal System	Decimal System (Post-1971)	Modern Equivalent
240 pence = £1	100 pence = £1	Simpler, universal
12 pence = 1 shilling	Shillings phased out	5p = 1 old shilling
20 shillings = £1	Pounds & pence only	£1 = £1
Coins: farthings, pennies, shillings, florins, crowns	Coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, etc.	Modernised sizes, alloys
Banknotes: 10 shillings, £1, £5, £10, £20, £50	Same denominations (decimal)	Redesigned & security updated

This table shows just how complex the old system was compared to today’s simple decimal format.

FAQs About Exchanging Pre-Decimal Coins and Notes

1. Can I still use pre-decimal money in shops?

No. Pre-decimal coins and notes ceased to be legal tender in 1971.

2. Do banks exchange pre-decimal coins and banknotes?

No. High street banks and the Bank of England only exchange withdrawn decimal notes, not pre-decimal money.

3. What is the value of pre-decimal coins today?

Most pre-decimal coins are only worth their face value or scrap metal value. Rare coins (like certain mint errors or proof coins) may be worth more to collectors.

4. Do you accept damaged or corroded coins?

Yes — we exchange coins and notes in any condition. Even bent, corroded, or worn currency can be processed.

5. Can charities, schools, and businesses send pre-decimal money?

Absolutely. We work with charities, schools, hospitals, and businesses across the UK. Bulk donations and collections are welcome.

6. How quickly will I get paid?

Most customers receive payment within 48 hours of us processing their coins and notes.

7. Can I donate my pre-decimal money instead of exchanging it?

Yes. We have partnerships with UK charities, and you can choose to donate your coins and notes directly.

8. Can I exchange foreign coins and notes?

Yes. We exchange all foreign coins and notes – in fact, any leftover currency is accepted.

Pre-Decimal Coins and Banknote History

Before decimalisation in 1971, British coinage was based on a medieval monetary system: £1 = 20 shillings, and 1 shilling = 12 pence. This meant £1 equalled 240 pence.

The farthing, halfpenny, and penny formed the smaller denominations, while the shilling, florin, and half-crown represented mid-value coins. Crowns and gold sovereigns held higher values. Banknotes like the ten shilling note were introduced for daily use.

Many of these coins (such as shillings and florins) continued in circulation for a time after 1971, revalued as 5p and 10p respectively, until being phased out in the 1990s.

Start Exchanging Pre-Decimal Coins Today

Don’t let your old coins and notes gather dust. Whether you’ve found a few ten-bob notes, a jar of pennies, or bulk collections of pre-decimal coins, Cash4Coins makes it easy to exchange them for real value.

Click here to start your exchange today.

Why should I exchange pre-decimal coins with Cash4Coins?

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