Which English Silver Coin, Worth Four Pennies, Was Taken Out Of Circulation In The 17th Century?

In the 17th century, England witnessed numerous changes in its coinage system, and one particular coin that was taken out of circulation during this period was the silver coin known as the groat. The groat was a silver coin that was worth four pennies, and it played a significant role in the English monetary system for several centuries.

The groat, also known as the fourpence, was first introduced in the 13th century during the reign of King Edward I. It was initially made of pure silver and had a diameter of around 25 millimeters. The groat featured a portrait of the reigning monarch on one side and a long cross on the other. This coin was widely used for everyday transactions and was considered an important part of the English currency.

However, as the 17th century rolled around, the groat started to lose its popularity. The main reason for this decline was the decrease in the silver content of the coin. In an attempt to combat the shortage of silver, successive monarchs began reducing the silver content of the groat, which led to a decrease in its value. As a result, people started hoarding the groats and using other silver coins, such as shillings and sixpences, for their transactions.

Eventually, in 1662, King Charles II made the decision to officially withdraw the groat from circulation. This move was part of a wider effort to stabilize the English currency and restore confidence in the monetary system. The groat was replaced by the threepence coin, which had a higher silver content and was worth three pennies.

Although the groat is no longer in circulation, it remains a fascinating piece of history. Collectors and numismatists often seek out these coins, as they provide a glimpse into the monetary system of the past. Today, groats from the 17th century are considered valuable artifacts and are highly sought after by collectors.

In conclusion, the English silver coin worth four pennies, known as the groat, was taken out of circulation in the 17th century. Its decline in popularity, caused by the decrease in silver content, led to its replacement with the threepence coin. Despite its absence from circulation, the groat continues to hold historical and numismatic significance.

Sign Up