Catalog
1 Penny - George VI
| Issuer | New Guinea |
|---|---|
| Year | 1938-1944 |
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| Engraver(s) | George Kruger Gray |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | G·R·I (Translation: George King and Emperor) |
| Reverse description | Central round hole surrounded by a prominent symmetrical ornamental device composed of interlaced and scrolled motifs in a Melanesian decorative style, occupying the majority of the field. The circular legend around the periphery reads 'TERRITORY OF NEW GUINEA' at the top and 'ONE PENNY' with the date at the bottom, all separated by raised dots. The designer's initials 'K' and 'G' appear to either side of the central ornament. A beaded border runs along the inner rim, consistent with the obverse treatment. |
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| Additional information |
New Guinea's coinage was administered separately from the Australian mainland, struck in Melbourne for the Territory of New Guinea under League of Nations mandate. The 1938–1944 date range spans the Japanese invasion of 1942, which effectively ended legitimate circulation — most coins from the later dates in this series were minted in anticipation of liberation rather than active trade use.
The central hole, shared across the Territory's bronze coinage, was a practical concession to local custom, where perforated coins could be strung and carried.