Fourpence (British coin)

The British fourpence coin, sometimes known as a groat (from Dutch grootpennig = "big penny") or fourpenny bit, was a denomination of sterling coinage worth 1/60 of one pound or 1/3 of one shilling. The coin was also known as a joey after the MP Joseph Hume, who spoke in favour of its introduction. It was a revival of the pre-Union coin.

This article is about the silver coin minted for general circulation. For the silver coin minted for Maundy Money, see Royal Maundy. For other coins called "groat", see Groat (coin).
Fourpence
United Kingdom
Value4d sterling
Mass1.9 g
Diameter16 mm
Thickness1 mm
EdgeMilled
Composition92.5% Ag
Years of minting1836–1855, 1888
Obverse
DesignProfile of the monarch (William IV design shown)
DesignerWilliam Wyon
Design date1836
Reverse
DesignBritannia
DesignerWilliam Wyon
Design date1836

Before Decimal Day in 1971, sterling used the Carolingian monetary system, under which the largest unit was a pound divided into 20 shillings, each of 12 pence.

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