Coins of the pound sterling coins' designs. As of 31 March 2016, there were an estimated 30.14 billion coins circulating in the United Kingdom. The first decimal coins were circulated in 1968. These were the five pence (5p) and ten pence (10p), and had values of one shilling (1/-) and two shillings (2/-), respectively, under the pre-decimal £sd system. The decimal coins are minted in copper-plated steel (previously bronze), nickel-plated steel, cupronickel and nickel-brass. The two-pound coins, and, as from 28 March 2017 the new one-pound coins, are bimetallic. The coins are discs, except for the twenty pence and fifty pence pieces, both of which
Halfpenny (Irish pre-decimal coin) or a ram, and the sow was chosen. The obverse featured the Irish harp. From 1928 to 1937 the date was split either side of the harp with the name "Saorstát Éireann" circling around. From 1938 to 1969 the inscription changed to "Éire" on the left of the harp and the date on the right. Halfpenny (Irish pre-decimal coin) The halfpenny (d) () coin was the second smallest denomination of the pre-decimal Irish pound, worth of a pound or of a shilling. First issued in 1928 it ceased to be legal tender on 1 August 1969. The coin measured in