Catalog
| Issuer | British West Africa |
|---|---|
| Year | 1913-1919 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 6 Pence (1⁄40) |
| Currency | Pound (1907-1968) |
| Composition | Silver (.925) |
| Weight | 2.8276 g |
| Diameter | 19.4 mm |
| Thickness | 1.1 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Edgar Bertram MacKennal |
| In circulation to | 1958 |
| Reference(s) | KM#11 |
| Obverse description | Bust of King George V facing left |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | GEORGIVS V D.G.BRITT: OMN:REX F.D.IND:IMP: · B.M. |
| Reverse description | Denomination in wreath, date beneath |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | BRITISH WEST AFRICA 6 PENCE 1919 |
| Edge | Reeded |
| 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 |
1913 - - 560 000 1913 - Proof - 1913 H - - 400 000 1914 H - - 952 000 1916 H - - 400 000 1917 H - - 2 400 000 1918 H - - 1 160 000 1919 H - - 8 676 000 1919 H - Proof - |
| Numisquare ID | 1740016070 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1913-1919 6 Pence coin for British West Africa was issued during King George V's reign, a period marking the British Empire's zenith, even amidst World War I. This coin was integral to the standardized imperial currency system, facilitating commerce across British West Africa's diverse territories like Nigeria and Gold Coast. Its consistent production through the war years highlights the colonies' enduring economic importance and the Crown's administrative control.
Artistry: The obverse features Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal's uncrowned effigy of King George V, whose naturalistic yet idealized classicism defined much of the era's British coinage. The reverse, likely by a Royal Mint engraver, displays a distinctive colonial motif: a crown above "6 PENCE", flanked by two indigenous palm trees, with "BRITISH WEST AFRICA" above and the date below. This design effectively blended imperial authority with regional symbolism.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .925 fine silver, this 6 Pence coin generally exhibits a good strike. Key high-points for assessing wear or strike weakness on the obverse include George V's highest hair strands and ear. On the reverse, critical areas are the central crown's orb and cross, the raised "6 PENCE" lettering, and the fine details of the palm fronds. Fully struck examples show sharp definition here, often with pleasing cartwheel luster, though the relatively soft silver can show wear quickly.