Trial pieces for British West Africa coinage were produced at the Royal Mint to test new compositions or designs before authorizing full production runs. The 1936 date places this squarely in the final year of George V's reign — he died in January of that year — meaning any approved change to this denomination would have been overtaken almost immediately by the accession of Edward VIII and the subsequent abdication crisis.
KM#Pn8 in brass suggests the Royal Mint was exploring a cheaper alternative to the cupro-nickel then in use for the series. Whether cost, durability in tropical climates, or wartime material considerations drove the test is unresolved in the published record.
Trial pieces for British West Africa coinage were produced at the Royal Mint to test new compositions or designs before authorizing full production runs. The 1936 date places this squarely in the final year of George V's reign — he died in January of that year — meaning any approved change to this denomination would have been overtaken almost immediately by the accession of Edward VIII and the subsequent abdication crisis.
KM#Pn8 in brass suggests the Royal Mint was exploring a cheaper alternative to the cupro-nickel then in use for the series. Whether cost, durability in tropical climates, or wartime material considerations drove the test is unresolved in the published record.