A penny (pl. pence or pennies) is a unit of currency or a coin used in several English-speaking countries, The penny was first introduced by King Offa of Mercia which is in the midlands of England. In the US, the design was suggested by Benjamin Franklin. The penny, originally a coin of 1.3 to 1.5 g pure silver, was introduced to England around the year 785 by King Offa of Mercia, in the English midlands.