1/2 Penny - George V

Emittent British West Africa
Jahr 1912-1936
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nennwert 1/2 Penny (1⁄480)
Währung Pound (1907-1968)
Material Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)
Gewicht 5.67 g
Durchmesser 25.2 mm
Dicke
Form Round with a round hole
Prägetechnik Milled
Ausrichtung Medal alignment ↑↑
Stempelschneider
Im Umlauf bis
Referenz(en) KM#8
Aversbeschreibung The title of George V: `Rex et Indiae Imperator` (King and Emperor of Indies). The face value in English and in Arabic.
Aversschrift Arabic, Latin
Averslegende GEORGIVS V REX ET IND: IMP: ONE HALFPENNY نُصْف پَنّي
Reversbeschreibung The Star of David
Reversschrift Latin
Reverslegende BRITISH WEST AFRICA · 1919 ·
Rand Smooth
Prägestätte Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London,United Kingdom (1810-1975)
H
Heaton and Sons / The Mint
Birmingham (Heaton and Sons / The Mint Birmingham Limited),United Kingdom (1850-2003)
KN
Kings Norton Metal Company,Birmingham, United Kingdom (1890-1962)
Auflage 1912 H - - 3 120 000
1913 - - 1 382 000
1913 H - (fr) rare - 216 000
1914 - (fr) rare - 240 000
1914 H - - 586 000
1914 K - - 3 360 000
1914 K - Proof (issued in a double specimen set) -
1915 H - - 3 577 000
1916 H - - 4 046 000
1917 H - (fr) rare - 214 000
1918 H - - 490 000
1919 H - - 4 950 000
1919 KN - - 3 861 000
1920 H - - 26 285 000
1920 KN - - 13 844 000
1922 KN - (fr) rare - 5 817 000
1927 - - 528 000
1927 - Proof -
1929 - - 336 000
1929 - Proof -
1931 - (fr) rare - 96 000
1931 - Proof -
1932 - - 960 000
1932 - Proof -
1933 - - 2 122 000
1933 - Proof -
1934 - - 1 694 000
1934 - Proof -
1935 - - 3 271 000
1935 - Proof -
1936 - - 5 400 000
1936 - Proof -
Numisquare-ID 5915931260
Zusätzliche Informationen

Historical Context: The 1/2 Penny of George V for British West Africa, minted 1912-1936, represents the zenith of the British Empire. George V's reign (1910-1936) saw the standardization of colonial currency across a vast and economically vital region. This coin facilitated daily commerce in territories like Nigeria, Gold Coast, Sierra Leone, and Gambia, reinforcing the imperial monetary system and reflecting the era's consolidated colonial administration.

Artistry: The coin's design adheres to the prevailing Edwardian/Georgian numismatic style. The obverse features the dignified, crowned effigy of King George V, facing left, likely by Bertram Mackennal, emphasizing regal authority and realism. The reverse displays the Imperial Crown above "1/2 PENNY" and the legend "BRITISH WEST AFRICA," a standardized colonial design prioritizing imperial unity over local symbolism. The copper-nickel composition offered a durable and cost-effective medium.

Technical/Grading: Key high-points for grading on the obverse include the hair above the ear, crown details, and beard. On the reverse, attention is paid to the Imperial Crown's intricacies, particularly the orb and cross, and lettering sharpness. Copper-nickel strikes are generally strong, but common weaknesses include finer crown elements and king's hair definition. Original luster, if present, exhibits a cartwheel effect, though circulation often results in subdued surfaces and contact marks.

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