What it would buy in today's money
Because prices have risen so much, a ten-shilling note bought far more in the past than its decimal value suggests:
| Year | A ten-shilling note in 2025 prices |
|---|---|
| 1850 | £94.56 |
| 1900 | £86.34 |
| 1938 | £47.28 |
| 1950 | £24.07 |
| 1960 | £16.18 |
| 1970 | £10.87 |
About the ten-shilling note
The ten-shilling note, half of a pound, was the lowest-value banknote in Britain. It was replaced by the new seven-sided 50p coin, introduced in 1969, and stopped being legal tender in 1970.
When it went: Replaced by the 50p coin and withdrawn in 1970.
Quick facts
| Value | 10s |
| Decimal equivalent | 50p |
| Nickname | ten bob note |
| Per pound | 2 |
Today's values use the ONS composite price index (Open Government Licence v3.0).
Common questions
How much was a ten-shilling note worth in decimal money?
A ten-shilling note was worth 10s, which is 50p in decimal money.
How many ten-shilling notes were in a pound?
There were 2 ten-shilling notes in a pound.
What would a ten-shilling note from 1950 be worth today?
About £24.07 in 2025 prices, based on ONS price data.
Other old coins
Farthing · Halfpenny · Penny · Threepenny bit · Sixpence · Shilling · Florin · Half crown · Crown · Sovereign · Guinea