1 Penny - George V smaller portrait

The "smaller portrait" designation marks a deliberate reduction made in 1926, when the Royal Mint modified Bertram Mackennal's effigy of George V to address chronic striking problems with the original large-head design introduced in 1911. The older portrait sat too high in relief and caused premature die wear, particularly at the King's cheek and hair. The revised, shallower effigy solved the production issue but generated enough visual distinction that collectors now treat the two types as separate series.

George V died in January 1936; pennies of this type were struck into that final year, with London remaining the sole mint for British bronze throughout this period.