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Question: Which is the correct term, “halfpenny” or “halfpence” for a Machin’s Mills copper coin?
Answer: Halfpenny refers to a single coin. The plural is halfpence (traditionally British) or halfpennies (more of an American usage). In any event, halfpence does not refer to a solo coin — it should always be “one halfpenny” or “two halfpence (halfpennies)” or “a group of halfpence (halfpennies).” Hope that helps.