Crossword Genius

They’re pretty worthless, not having been new for years (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pence

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'years' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pence that I've seen before include "Money used to be pounds, shillings and ....." , "Lowest denomination of British currency" , "offering to St Peter" , "Small change" , "Small coins" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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