English/metric measurement error in the Mars Climate Orbiter

[tonyfoale]

I was there in the mid-sixties and remember getting half crowns in change.

Yes half crowns were very common, it was crowns that I said existed but were not in common use. Crowns would be prized and given to the children of well off families for Xmas and birthdays. As my family was not in that class I had to settle for half crowns as very special presents. Sometimes people would put a half crown in a Xmas pudding but a few thrup'ny bits would be more common.

[Tonyg]

Yes half crowns were very common, it was crowns that I said existed but were not in common use. Crowns would be prized and given to the children of well off families for Xmas and birthdays. As my family was not in that class I had to settle for half crowns as very special presents. Sometimes people would put a half crown in a Xmas pudding but a few thrup'ny bits would be more common.

I remember having coins in Christmas pudding - normally sixpences (half-a-bob) and thrup'ny bits (tickey). I still have some of the tickeys (pre 1960) which are made of silver.