The Virtual GB Album

In preparation for the conversion to decimal currency on February 15, 1971, the British Post Office issued four decimal high value definitives in June, 1970. These were valid for postage prior to decimalization, and this registered cover, posted on December 14, 1970, contains a 10p decimal stamp along with predecimal postage.

The pound Sterling did not change in value as a result of decimalization, but it was divided into 100 new pence rather than 240 old pence. Thus the 10p decimal stamp was equivalent to 24 old pence.

When decimal stamps were issued, the currency symbol became a “p” for pence, instead of the previous “d” for denarii, the Latin word for pennies.

The issuance of the decimal stamps prior to the actual conversion paved the way for covers containing a mixture of both decimal and predecimal stamps. Similarly, after decimalization there was a period of slightly over a year in which predecimal stamps could still be used, and they were often used in combination with decimal stamps, as on the covers shown on the next two pages.

To calculate the postage paid on these mixed frankings, it is necessary to convert all the denominations to a single currency, either predecimal or decimal. Since the cover on this page was mailed prior to decimalization, I will calculate the postage in predecimal currency, converting the decimal stamp to its predecimal equivalent.

The postage on this cover, in predecimal currency, breaks down as follows:

• 7 pence from the 1d and 6d individual stamps
• 41 pence (the equivalent of 3 shillings and 5 pence) of preprinted postage on the envelope
• 24 pence from the decimal 10p stamp

The total is 72 pence, or six shillings. This pays the three shilling airmail rate for a letter weighing between 1/2 oz and 1 oz plus the registration fee of three shillings.