The spelling of "new penny" is straightforward. It is phonetically spelled as [nju peni] in International Phonetic Alphabet. The term "new penny" was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1971 to replace the previous currency system. The word "new" is pronounced as [nju] because it takes the same vowel sound as the letter "u". "Penny", on the other hand, is pronounced as [peni] because it takes the short "e" sound followed by the long "e" sound. Thus, "new penny" is spelled as it sounds.
The term "new penny" refers to a unit of currency that signifies the smallest denomination in the British monetary system. As the name implies, it denotes the most recent incarnation of the coin that was introduced in 1971 as a replacement for the previous version. This modernized penny was part of a monetary reform which established the decimal system throughout the United Kingdom, abandoning the previous system of pounds, shillings, and pence.
The new penny measures 20.32 millimeters in diameter and is made from a copper-plated steel composition. It features a depiction of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side, while its reverse side showcases the image of a stylized crowned portcullis, symbolizing the Palace of Westminster. The new penny holds a value of one hundredth of a pound sterling, making it the smallest unit of currency in circulation.
The introduction of the new penny aimed to institute a simpler and more efficient monetary system, aiding in everyday transactions and facilitating calculations. Widely used in the United Kingdom, the new penny is accepted by most businesses and is commonly exchanged for goods and services.
The etymology of the term "new penny" is relatively straightforward. The word "penny" originates from the Old English "pening", which referred to a small unit of currency. The "new" modifier was added when the United Kingdom introduced a decimalized currency system in 1971. Under this new system, the old penny was replaced by the "new penny". This change was made to simplify the currency, making it easier to calculate and work with. The "new penny" continued to be used until it was phased out in 1982, and the term is no longer in common usage today.