What is a UK 1p coin?

The United Kingdom 1p coin was one of three new coins introduced into general circulation on 15th February 1971, when the United Kingdom adopted a new decimal currency system. The other two new coins were the 1/2p and 2p coins.

When was the 1p coin first issued?

The 1p was first issued in 1971 (although 1971 coins were actually made available earlier in blue folders to enable the public to become familiar with them). Together with the two pence, it is one of only two denominations that has been made to the same size specifications from decimalisation in 1971 right up to the present day.

What does a 1p coin represent?

The 1p coin depicts the left section between the first and third quarter of the shield, representing England and Northern Ireland. The coin's obverse remains largely unchanged, but the beading (the ring of dots around the coin's circumference), which no longer features on the coin's reverse, has also been removed from the obverse.