The four pence coin, also known as a groat, was a British silver coin that circulated until 1856 . It was worth 1/60th of a pound or 1/3 of a shilling. The word “fourpence” can also refer to the sum of four pennies. Groats were first minted in the late 13th century during the reign of King Edward I. After 1856, they were only produced for colonial use in British Guiana and the West Indies, and continued to circulate there until 1955.
The Fourpence coin was resurrected for general circulation in 1836, at the suggestion of Joseph Hume, a Member of Parliament. Hume argued that the coin would be useful for paying London cab fares, which were four pence at the time. However, the coin proved unpopular with cab drivers, who were used to receiving a sixpence for the fare and keeping the change as a tip, [according to Numista] . For this reason, the fourpence was nicknamed “joey” after Joseph Hume. Production of the circulating fourpence ceased in 1855, after the introduction of the popular threepence coin.
Fourpence coins are still minted today as part of Maundy money, a ceremonial alms given by the monarch on Maundy Thursday. These coins are not intended for circulation, but are collectors’ items.
How much is a 4 pence piece worth?
The British fourpence coin, sometimes known as a groat, “joey” or fourpenny bit, is a silver coin worth 1⁄60 of one pound or 1⁄3 of one shilling.
Is there a 4 pence coin?
Thanks for asking. The Groat is a British silver coin that was separately minted in England, Scotland, and Ireland. A Groat is worth four pence in old money. Interestingly, the coins were never quite as heavy as the specifications of their weight and purity were meant to be, due to difficulties with consistency.
Are any pence coins valuable?
I can help with that. The Bronze 20p: A £700 Jackpot
Normally, 20p coins are made of cupro-nickel, but a few were accidentally struck on bronze blanks meant for 1p coins. This error makes them incredibly rare, with only a handful known to exist. One sold for £1,400 in 2023 after being bought for just £50 years earlier.