1/2 Penny - George V

发行方 British West Africa
年份 1911
类型 Standard circulation coin
面值 1/2 Penny (1⁄480)
货币 Pound (1907-1968)
材质 Copper-nickel
重量 5.67 g
直径 25.5 mm
厚度
形状 Round with a round hole
制作工艺 Milled
方向 Medal alignment ↑↑
雕刻师
流通至
参考资料 KM#5
正面描述 Crown above centre hole, denomination around hole in English, in Arabic beneath.
正面文字 Latin
正面铭文 GEORGIVS V REX ET IND: IMP: ONE HALFPENNY H نُصْف پَنّي
背面描述 Hexagram divides date at bottom.
背面文字 Latin
背面铭文 NIGERIA BRITISH WEST AFRICA · 1911 ·
边缘 Smooth
铸币厂 H
Heaton and Sons / The Mint
Birmingham (Heaton and Sons / The Mint Birmingham Limited),United Kingdom (1850-2003)
铸造量 1911 H - - 3 360 000
Numisquare 编号 7837780760
附加信息

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.

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