2d currency refers to the value of two pennies, often colloquially known as 'tuppence', within the pre-decimal British monetary system. This denomination represented a specific value in a currency structure that utilized pounds, shillings, and pence before decimalization in 1971.
Understanding Pre-Decimal British Currency
Before the United Kingdom adopted decimal currency, its monetary system was based on the pound sterling (£), which was divided into 20 shillings (s), with each shilling divided into 12 pence (d). The 'd' stood for denarius, a Roman coin. This meant there were 240 pence in a pound.
In this system, "2d" was a recognized denomination, equivalent to two old pence. While specific coins like the sixpence or threepenny bit were minted, "2d" primarily denoted the value of two individual pence or an amount that could be made up of two pennies.
Common Pre-Decimal Denominations
The table below illustrates how '2d' fit into the broader system alongside other common denominations:
| Denomination | Description |
|---|---|
| 2d | Two pennies, or 'tuppence' |
| 3d | Three pennies. The coin was sometimes referred to as a 'threepenny bit'. The word was often pronounced 'thrupny', or 'thruppence'. |
| 4d | Groat. This coin was in circulation until 1662 and was revived briefly in the mid-nineteenth century. |
| 6d | Sixpence, or 'tanner'. |
These denominations were part of daily transactions for centuries, deeply embedded in British culture and language. The term 'tuppence' still occasionally appears in historical literature, songs, or traditional phrases, reflecting its past significance.
For more detailed information on the history of British currency and its transition, you can explore resources like the Royal Mint Museum.
The Shift to Decimalization
The pre-decimal system, including denominations like 'tuppence', ceased to be the standard with the Decimalisation Day on February 15, 1971. On this day, the pound was re-divided into 100 new pence, simplifying calculations and aligning the UK's currency with many other countries worldwide. Old denominations, including the penny and its multiples like '2d', were gradually phased out.
