Halfpenny (British decimal coin)

The British decimal halfpenny ($1/2$p) coin was a denomination of sterling coinage introduced in February 1971, at the time of decimalisation, and was worth $1/200$ of one pound. It was ignored in banking transactions, which were carried out in units of 1p.

The decimal halfpenny had the same value as 1.2 pre-decimal pence, and was introduced to enable the prices of some low-value items to be more accurately translated to the new decimal currency. The possibility of setting prices including an odd half penny also made it more practical to retain the pre-decimal sixpence in circulation (with a value of $2 1⁄2$ new pence) alongside the new decimal coinage.

The halfpenny coin's obverse featured the profile of Queen Elizabeth II; the reverse featured an image of St Edward's Crown. It was minted in bronze (like the 1p and 2p coins). It was the smallest decimal coin in both size and value, the size being in proportion to 1p and 2p coins.

The halfpenny soon became Britain's least favourite coin. The UK Treasury argued the halfpenny was important in the fight against inflation, as it prevented prices from being rounded up. Nevertheless, the coin was demonetised and withdrawn from circulation in December 1984.

Design
The reverse of the coin, designed by Christopher Ironside, was a representation of St Edward's Crown, with the numeral "$1⁄2$" below the crown, and either NEW PENNY (1971–1981) or HALF PENNY (1982–1984) above the crown. Only one design for the obverse was used on the halfpenny coin. The inscription around the portrait on the obverse was ELIZABETH II D.G.REG.F.D. 19xx, where 19xx was the year of minting. Both sides of the coin are encircled by dots, a common feature on coins known as beading.

As on all decimal coins produced before 1984, the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin appeared on the obverse; in this portrait the Queen wears the 'Girls of Great Britain and Ireland' Tiara.

Status
The half penny coin was legal tender for amounts not exceeding 20 pence. A shopkeeper, for example, was not under any obligation to accept half penny coins for payment; conversely, they had the right to accept payment in just half penny coins if they so wished.

Mintages
Mint sets have been produced since 1982; where mintages on or after that date indicate 'none', there are examples contained within those sets.

Proposed quarter penny coin
A decimal quarter-penny coin (to be struck in aluminium) was also proposed (which would have allowed the pre-decimal threepence to continue to circulate with a value of $1 1/4$ new pence), but was never produced.