Pence

Pence is the plural form of penny, a small unit of currency most closely associated with the United Kingdom. In modern decimal currency, one pound sterling is divided into 100 pence, and amounts are typically written with the symbol p after the numeral (for example, 50p). The singular penny is used when referring to a single coin, while pence is used for multiples. Historically, the UK and Ireland used pounds, shillings, and pence prior to decimalization in 1971.

Etymology and use: The term pence arises from the word penny, with pence serving as the standard plural in British English. While pennies are physical coins, pence is the unit used to express amounts of money less than a full pound in everyday pricing and accounts.

Surname usage: Pence is also a surname. Notable individuals include Mike Pence (born 1959), an American politician who served as the 48th vice president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, and Karen Pence, his wife. The surname appears among various public figures, academics, and professionals.

In summary, pence denotes the monetary units below a pound in UK decimal currency, serves as the plural form of penny in British English, and appears as a surname.