United Kingdom 1 Penny {1971- 2008} 1H71 FEATURING front: a crowned portcullis with chains (an adaptation of the Badge of Henry VII which is now the Badge of the Palace of Westminster) A portcullis (from the French porte coulissante, "sliding door") is a heavy vertically-closing gate typically found in medieval fortifications, consisting of a latticed grille made of wood, metal, or a combination of the two, which slides down grooves inset within each jamb of the gateway. Portcullises fortified the entrances to many medieval castles, securely closing off the castle during time of attack or siege. Every portcullis was mounted in vertical grooves in the walls of the castle and could be raised or lowered quickly by means of chains or ropes attached to an internal winch. In England, working portcullises survive at the Tower of London, Monk Bar in York, Amberley Castle, and Hever Castle. back: The bust of Queen Elizabeth II • quantity 1 pair • demonetized {no longer in circulation} Copper-nickel coin • diameter: 20.32 mm • weight: 3.56 g GOLD PLATED STAINLESS STEEL EAR WIRES • Style: steel fishhook ear wires with 6 mm coil • Metal: gold plated surgical steel for sensitive ears • Length: 19 mm top to bottom of loop in front • Thickness: 21 gauge • rubber stoppers included facebook.com/coinedJewelry instagram.com/coinedJewelry twitter.com/coinedJewelry pinterest.com/coinedJewelry tumblr.com/blog/coinedJewelry