Crossword Genius

Coppers locate writer in square by church (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ninepence

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'coppers' is the definition.
(copper coins)

'writer in square by church' is the wordplay.
'writer' becomes 'pen' (something which writes).
'in square' becomes 'nine' (nine is a square number. I am not sure about the 'in' bit.).
'by' says to put letters next to each other.
'church' becomes 'CE' (abbreviation for Church of England).
'pen' put after 'nine' is 'ninepen'.
'ninepen'+'ce'='NINEPENCE'

'locate' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ninepence that I've seen before include "amount of old money" , "Three-quarters of a shilling" , "Using old money, had one over the eight" , "in a right old state" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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