1 Penny - Edward VII

Uitgever British West Africa
Jaar 1907-1910
Type Standard circulation coin
Waarde 1 Penny (1⁄240)
Valuta Pound (1907-1968)
Samenstelling Copper-nickel
Gewicht 9.45 g
Diameter 30.5 mm
Dikte 1.7 mm
Vorm Round with a round hole
Techniek Milled
Oriëntatie Medal alignment ↑↑
Graveur(s)
In omloop tot
Referentie(s) KM#2, Schön#2
Beschrijving voorzijde Crown above center hole, denomination around hole in English, in Arabic beneath
Schrift voorzijde Arabic, Latin
Opschrift voorzijde EDWARD VII KING & EMPEROR ONE PENNY وَاحِد پَنّي
Beschrijving keerzijde Hexagram, date beneath
Schrift keerzijde Latin
Opschrift keerzijde NIGERIA-BRITISH WEST AFRICA · 1910 ·
Rand Smooth
Muntplaats
Oplage 1907 - - 863 000
1908 - - 3 217 152
1909 - - 960 000
1910 - - 2 520 000
Numisquare-ID 5581783900
Aanvullende informatie

Historical Context: The 1907-1910 British West Africa 1 Penny was issued during King Edward VII's reign (1901-1910), marking the British Empire's zenith. This coin signifies a crucial step in standardizing currency across British West African territories, including the Gold Coast, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. Its introduction facilitated commerce and solidified imperial economic control, replacing diverse local and British coinage with a unified colonial system.

Artistry: The obverse displays the "Bare Head" effigy of King Edward VII, facing right, a design typically attributed to George William de Saulles. This early 20th-century British numismatic portraiture blends realism with classical idealism. The reverse, likely by an uncredited Royal Mint engraver, features a large central "1 PENNY" flanked by two stylized palm trees, symbolizing the region's tropical nature. The legend "BRITISH WEST AFRICA" clearly identifies the issuer.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, this robust coin weighs 9.45 grams and measures 30.5 mm. Key high-points for wear on the obverse include the hair above the ear and the highest relief of the effigy. On the reverse, critical areas are the central "1 PENNY" digits and the delicate fronds of the palm trees. Well-struck examples exhibit sharp detail in the palm fronds and clear lettering, often retaining good original luster, though copper-nickel can develop attractive toning.

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