On Monday 15 February 1971, Britain went decimal, however 40 years after the first decimal coins entered circulation it was time for rejuvenation. Discover the inspiration behind Matthew Dent's new designs.

Why did we go decimal in 1971?

Most banks and businesses wanted a shilling system, with ten shillings as the basic unit. ... All of this, however, was merely a prelude to the big changeover on Monday, February 15, 1971, 'Decimal Day' — chosen because February was usually a quiet month for banks and businesses.

Does the UK still use shillings?

The shilling (1/-) was a coin worth one twentieth of a pound sterling, or twelve pence. Following decimalisation on 15 February 1971 the coin had a value of five new pence, which was minted with the same size as the shilling until 1990, after which the shilling no longer remained legal tender. ...