Decimal Day remain valid back to 1971, the only circulating coins valid on Decimal Day still to be valid. In 1982, the word "new" in "new penny" or "new pence" was removed from the inscriptions on coins, to be replaced by the number of pence in the denomination (i.e. "ten pence" or "fifty pence"). This coincided with the introduction of a new 20p coin, which, from the outset, simply bore the legend "twenty pence". A £1 coin was introduced in 1983, and a £2 coin in 1997. When the old pounds, shillings, and pence system was in operation, the United Kingdom and
Two pence (British decimal coin) Two pence (British decimal coin) The British decimal two pence (2p) coin – often informally pronounced "two pee" – is a unit of currency equalling 2/100ths of a pound sterling. Its obverse has featured the profile of Queen Elizabeth II since the coin's introduction on 15 February 1971, the year British currency was decimalised. Four different portraits of the Queen have been used on the coin, with the latest design by Jody Clark being introduced in 2015. The second and current reverse, featuring a segment of the Royal Shield, was introduced in 2008. One penny and two pence coins are