The 1970 five pence was struck in a year when the Royal Mint effectively had two addresses. For decimalisation a new mint was built at Llantrisant in Wales and opened in December 1968, but the old London mint at Tower Hill was still working, and from 1968 to 1972 decimal coins were struck at both.

1970 was the last full year before D Day, 15 February 1971. The coin was already circulating alongside the shilling, to which it corresponded in size and value.

The reverse carries Christopher Ironside’s badge of Scotland, a thistle royally crowned, and the legend NEW PENCE, introduced to underline the move to 100 pence in the pound. The obverse shows Arnold Machin’s portrait.

In a date run the coin marks the year of the Mint’s move and the last pre-changeover year of decimal Britain.

Grade F-VF: a circulated coin. At F the wear is even and pronounced, with the main details and legend discernible; at VF only the raised parts of the relief are rubbed, and the lettering and main details are sharp.

Coins from the VPcoins catalogue are collected by seasoned numismatists and newcomers alike.