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1/10 Penny - Edward VII
| Issuer | British West Africa |
|---|---|
| Year | 1907-1908 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1/10 Penny (1⁄2400) |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse features a central circular hole surrounded by a six-pointed star formed by two interlocking triangles in raised relief, with the date divided and set into the lower points of the star. The outer legend 'NIGERIA BRITISH WEST AFRICA' encircles the design along the periphery, separated by a raised dot. The rim is beaded, consistent with the obverse, and the overall design is geometrically precise and emblematic of colonial British West African coinage. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
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| Additional information |
British West Africa's fractional coinage was introduced to facilitate small transactions in markets where cowrie shells had long dominated as the preferred exchange medium. The 1/10 penny denomination was specifically calculated to bridge indigenous and colonial monetary systems, targeting price points that existing British coinage couldn't reach. Aluminium was chosen for the lowest values partly because the metal's light weight made it impractical to melt for other uses, discouraging the hoarding that plagued copper issues in the region.
KM#1 status confirms this as the founding issue of the British West Africa series — struck for the four protectorates administered under a single currency framework from 1907.