Penny: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
Tags: mobile edit mobile web edit
 
CSV import
 
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Penny''' is a common term for a coin or a unit of currency used in several countries. The term is derived from the Old English ''penig'', which itself comes from the proto-Germanic ''*panninggaz''. Pennies are often the smallest denomination within a currency system.
==Penny==
The '''penny''' is a unit of currency that has been used in various forms across different countries and historical periods. It is often associated with the smallest denomination of currency in a given system, and its name has been derived from the Old English "pening" or "penig," which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic "*panninga." The penny has a rich history, evolving from early medieval coinage to modern-day currency.


== History ==
==History==


The '''penny''' has a long history, with the first pennies being minted in the 8th century in England. These early pennies were made of silver. Over the centuries, the composition and value of the penny have changed, reflecting shifts in the economy and in the availability of metals.
===Early Origins===
The concept of the penny dates back to the early medieval period. The first pennies were minted in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England. These coins were made of silver and were introduced by King Offa of Mercia in the late 8th century.


== Pennies around the world ==
[[File:Offa_king_of_Mercia_757_793_silver_penny.jpg|Offa, king of Mercia, 757-793, silver penny|thumb|right]]


Several countries use or have used a coin or currency unit called a penny. These include:
The penny was a significant coin in the [[Anglo-Saxon]] economy, facilitating trade and commerce. It was typically made of silver, which was a common practice for coinage during this period.


* The [[United Kingdom]], where the penny is currently the lowest denomination coin in circulation.
===Medieval Period===
* The [[United States]], where the penny is worth one cent, or 1/100th of a dollar.
During the medieval period, the penny continued to be an important coin in England and other parts of Europe. The design and composition of the penny evolved over time, reflecting changes in rulers and economic conditions.
* [[Canada]], which discontinued the penny in 2013.
* [[Australia]], which phased out the penny in the 1960s.


== Cultural significance ==
[[File:Coin_of_Eric_Bloodaxe_Norse_king_of_York_952_954.jpg|Coin of Eric Bloodaxe, Norse king of York, 952-954|thumb|left]]


The penny has a significant cultural impact, featuring in numerous sayings and expressions, such as "a penny for your thoughts" and "in for a penny, in for a pound". It is also the subject of various traditions and superstitions, such as the belief that finding a penny brings good luck.
The penny was often used as a standard for other coins, and its value was crucial in the monetary systems of medieval Europe. Coins from this period, such as those from the reign of [[Æthelred the Unready]], show the intricate designs and craftsmanship of the time.


== See also ==
[[File:Coin_of_Æthelred_the_Unready.jpg|Coin of Æthelred the Unready|thumb|right]]
[[File:Aethelred_rev2.jpg|Aethelred Reverse|thumb|left]]


===Modern Era===
In the modern era, the penny has been adapted into various forms in different countries. In the United States, the penny is known as the "one cent" coin and features the likeness of [[Abraham Lincoln]] on the obverse.
[[File:US_One_Cent_Obv.png|US One Cent Obverse|thumb|right]]
The penny has also been used in other countries, such as Australia and South Africa, where it served as a unit of currency before decimalization.
[[File:1911-Australian-Penny-Reverse.jpg|1911 Australian Penny Reverse|thumb|left]]
[[File:South_Africa-Penny-1929.jpg|South Africa Penny 1929|thumb|right]]
==Cultural Significance==
The penny holds cultural significance in many societies. It is often associated with phrases such as "a penny for your thoughts" and "penny wise, pound foolish," reflecting its role in everyday language and thought.
==Related Pages==
* [[Coin]]
* [[Coin]]
* [[Currency]]
* [[Currency]]
* [[Cent (currency)]]
* [[Numismatics]]
* [[History of money]]


[[Category:Coins]]
[[Category:Coins]]
[[Category:Currency]]
[[Category:Currency]]
 
[[Category:Numismatics]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:19, 23 March 2025

Penny[edit]

The penny is a unit of currency that has been used in various forms across different countries and historical periods. It is often associated with the smallest denomination of currency in a given system, and its name has been derived from the Old English "pening" or "penig," which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic "*panninga." The penny has a rich history, evolving from early medieval coinage to modern-day currency.

History[edit]

Early Origins[edit]

The concept of the penny dates back to the early medieval period. The first pennies were minted in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England. These coins were made of silver and were introduced by King Offa of Mercia in the late 8th century.

Offa, king of Mercia, 757-793, silver penny

The penny was a significant coin in the Anglo-Saxon economy, facilitating trade and commerce. It was typically made of silver, which was a common practice for coinage during this period.

Medieval Period[edit]

During the medieval period, the penny continued to be an important coin in England and other parts of Europe. The design and composition of the penny evolved over time, reflecting changes in rulers and economic conditions.

Coin of Eric Bloodaxe, Norse king of York, 952-954

The penny was often used as a standard for other coins, and its value was crucial in the monetary systems of medieval Europe. Coins from this period, such as those from the reign of Æthelred the Unready, show the intricate designs and craftsmanship of the time.

Coin of Æthelred the Unready
Aethelred Reverse

Modern Era[edit]

In the modern era, the penny has been adapted into various forms in different countries. In the United States, the penny is known as the "one cent" coin and features the likeness of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse.

US One Cent Obverse

The penny has also been used in other countries, such as Australia and South Africa, where it served as a unit of currency before decimalization.

1911 Australian Penny Reverse
South Africa Penny 1929

Cultural Significance[edit]

The penny holds cultural significance in many societies. It is often associated with phrases such as "a penny for your thoughts" and "penny wise, pound foolish," reflecting its role in everyday language and thought.

Related Pages[edit]