Catalog
| Issuer | East Africa |
|---|---|
| Year | 1911-1918 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Cent (0.01) |
| Currency | Rupee (1906-1920) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel |
| Weight | 2.92 g |
| Diameter | 22.3 mm |
| Thickness | 1.1 mm |
| Shape | Round with a round hole |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | 1921 |
| Reference(s) | KM#7, Schön#9 |
| Obverse description | Central hole divides crown and denomination surrounded by legend NOTE: If there is a mintmark it is below the EN of CENT |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | GEORGIVS V REX ET IND:IMP: ONE CENT H |
| Reverse description | Curved tusks flank the centre hole |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | EAST AFRICA & UGANDA PROTECTORATES 1 .1912. |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
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) |
| Mintage |
1911 H - - 25 000 000 1912 H - - 20 000 000 1913 - - 4 529 000 1914 - - 6 000 000 1914 H - - 2 500 000 1916 H - - 1 824 000 1917 H - - 3 176 000 1918 H - - 10 000 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 5373578560 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1 Cent coin of East Africa, issued 1911-1918, represents the early reign of King George V (1910-1936) within the British Empire. This period saw the consolidation of British administration in the East Africa Protectorate (modern Kenya) and Uganda. Introducing George V's effigy on colonial coinage underscored imperial authority and integrated these territories into the broader British economic system, standardizing currency during significant colonial development and World War I.
Artistry: The obverse features the crowned bust of King George V, facing left, a portrait likely by Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal, adopted across the Empire. This rendition exemplifies early 20th-century British numismatic style, characterized by a dignified, realistic, yet idealized, monarchical portrayal. The reverse, by Royal Mint engravers, presents a clear, functional layout: a large numeral "1", "CENT" below, "EAST AFRICA" above, and the date. The aesthetic emphasizes imperial clarity and legibility.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel (2.92 grams, 22.3 mm), this 1 Cent coin generally exhibits good strike quality. Key high-points for wear assessment on the obverse include the crown details, hair above the ear, and the King's cheekbone. On the reverse, the central raised areas of the numeral "1" and "EAST AFRICA" lettering are critical. Well-preserved examples display original satiny luster and minimal field contact marks. Weaker strikes, especially wartime, may show less definition.