GREAT BRITAIN

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to give it it's full name, comprises of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and was an imperial power throughout the 1500's, 1600's 1700's 1800's and up to the middle of the 20th century when many of it's colonies gained independence. Most of the former colonies joined the Commonwealth of Nations which has 54 member states at this time. Although the Bank of England issues the only legal tender (in England and Wales), Scotland and Northern Ireland issue their own notes. British Money was decimalised in 1971 which took over from the Lsd (pounds shillings and pence) system which was introduced after the Norman conquests in 1066. Although Britain is a member of the European Union (EU) it has not adopted the Euro.

Monetary Unit:
1 Pound = 20 Shillings = 240 Pence ( up to 1971)
1 pound = 100 pence (1971 onward)

The old Lsd system came about because 240 silver pennies weighed 1 Lb (1 pound weight) so therefor there was 240 silver pennies to the pound (£) check out more history of British money here


Above are two versions of the 10 shilling note which was equal to 1/2 of a pound and called a 10 bob note. the top one has no date (ND) but the signature says that it is from the 1962-66 issue and has Britannia seated with a shield on the reverse. The bottom note is from 1955-60 issue , again with no date but with the L.K.O'Brien signature. These notes were replaced with a 50p coin after 1971.

The top 1 Pound note here, with the L.K.O'Brian signature is from 1960-61 issue again has no date  but has queen Elizabeth II on the front and Britannia on the reverse. while the bottom £1 note (front and reverse) is the £1 note from 1948-49 issue (signature K.O.Peppiatt).it was announced that £1 notes were to be withdrawn in 1986, in England and wales only, and replaced by £1 coins

 And above we have an example of a £5 pound note, this time with the reverse side. It is from the 1966-70 issue (signature J.S.Fforde) with Britannia on the reverse.

For Scottish notes see here