Halfpence: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ท
halfpence
[ หhษหlpfens ]
currency unit
Halfpence refers to a former unit of currency in the UK, specifically a coin that is worth half of a penny. It was introduced as a physical piece of currency during the medieval period and continued to be in circulation until decimalization in 1971, which rendered it obsolete. The term can also refer to the value equivalent to half a penny in other contexts, particularly historical references. Although the coin itself is no longer in use, the term may still appear in discussions about British currency history.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- A cup of tea used to cost just a few halfpence.
- He found a halfpence in the bottom of his pocket.
- In the 19th century, halfpence coins were quite common.
Translations
Translations of the word "halfpence" in other languages:
๐ต๐น halfpence
๐ฎ๐ณ เคนเคพเคซเคชเฅเคเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Halbpenny
๐ฎ๐ฉ halfpence
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะฒะฟะตะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ halfpence
๐ฏ๐ต ใใผใใใใผ
๐ซ๐ท halfpence
๐ช๐ธ halfpence
๐น๐ท halfpence
๐ฐ๐ท ํํํ์ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุตู ุจูุณ
๐จ๐ฟ halfpence
๐ธ๐ฐ halfpence
๐จ๐ณ ๅไพฟๅฃซ
๐ธ๐ฎ halfpence
๐ฎ๐ธ halfpence
๐ฐ๐ฟ halfpence
๐ฌ๐ช แฐแแแคแแแแกแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ halfpence
๐ฒ๐ฝ halfpence
Etymology
The term 'halfpence' originates from the Old English word 'pening', which means penny. The concept of dividing a penny into two dates back to Anglo-Saxon England, where coins were minted in various denominations to facilitate trade. The halfpenny was officially minted as a separate coin during the 16th century and became increasingly common in daily transactions throughout the following centuries. With the establishment of a decimal system in 1971, the halfpenny coin was phased out, but it still holds historical significance in discussions of British currency and economy. Despite its absence from modern currency, the halfpence remains a symbol of Britain's rich monetary history.