When a person feels As Right As Ninepence, they are in top condition and ready to tackle anything. Until 1696, silver ninepenny pieces were in common use in England. They were one of the highest-value coins in circulation. As well as this, the ninepenny was often given as a token of love or affection. For these two reasons people were always pleased to have them. However, some people believe the phrase is just a simple corruption of the saying "right as ninepins", being a reference to the pub game of skittles. In it, once the ninepins were all upright the game could start.