Catalog
| Issuer | British West Africa |
|---|---|
| Year | 1911 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1/2 Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound (1907-1968) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel |
| Weight | 5.67 g |
| Diameter | 25.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round with a round hole |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#5 |
| Obverse description | Crown above centre hole, denomination around hole in English, in Arabic beneath. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | GEORGIVS V REX ET IND: IMP: ONE HALFPENNY H نُصْف پَنّي |
| Reverse description | Hexagram divides date at bottom. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | NIGERIA BRITISH WEST AFRICA · 1911 · |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
H Heaton and Sons / The Mint Birmingham (Heaton and Sons / The Mint Birmingham Limited),United Kingdom (1850-2003) |
| Mintage |
1911 H - - 3 360 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 7837780760 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1911 British West Africa 1/2 Penny marks an early issue for King George V, who ascended the throne in 1910. Crucial for commerce across British West African territories (Nigeria, Gold Coast, Sierra Leone, Gambia), its introduction unified the currency. This replaced disparate local issues, reinforcing British economic and administrative control at the Empire's zenith. It served as a tangible symbol of imperial authority and a practical medium for daily transactions.
Artistry: The obverse features the left-facing bare head effigy of King George V, designed by Edgar Bertram MacKennal, whose regal portrait became standard empire-wide. This design adheres to academic realism of British coinage, emphasizing dignity and authority. The reverse displays the crowned imperial monogram "GRI" (Georgius Rex Imperator), signifying George V as King and Emperor, with "HALF PENNY" below and "BRITISH WEST AFRICA" above. The design is clean, functional, and emblematic of colonial issues.
Technical/Grading: Struck in durable copper-nickel, this 1/2 Penny typically exhibits a strong strike. Key high-points for assessing wear on the obverse include details of the King's hair above the ear and around the temple. On the reverse, important areas are the Imperial State Crown details, particularly the orb and cross pattee, and the raised edges of the GRI monogram. Early strikes often show excellent definition; subsequent strikes or worn dies may show softness. Fields should be relatively free of planchet imperfections.