Catalog
| Issuer | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Year | 1925-1930 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 6 Pence (1⁄40) |
| Currency | Pound (1825-1961) |
| Composition | Silver (.800) |
| Weight | 2.83 g |
| Diameter | 19.35 mm |
| Thickness | 1.3 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Obverse: Edgar Bertram MacKennal Reverse: George Kruger Gray |
| In circulation to | 31 March 1961 |
| Reference(s) | KM#16.1, Hern#S162-167 |
| Obverse description | Crowned profile of King George V |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | GEORGIVS V REX IMPERATOR B.M. |
| Reverse description | A Protea, a flower native to South Africa, surrounded with 6 lines |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | SOUTH AFRICA 1927 ZUID AFRIKA KG ·6 PENCE· |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1925 - Hern#S162 - 79 231 1926 - Hern#S163 - 721 606 1926 - Hern#S163; Proof - 16 1927 - Hern#S164 - 1 547 788 1929 - Hern#S166 - 783 885 1930 - Hern#S167 - 448 267 1930 - Hern#S167; Proof - 14 |
| Numisquare ID | 3948200370 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 6 Pence coin of George V, issued for South Africa (1925-1930), reflects a pivotal era for the Union. King George V's reign (1910-1936) saw Dominions assert greater autonomy post-WWI. Crucially, this series continues the bilingual legend, displaying "ZUID-AFRIKA" alongside "SOUTH AFRICA." This numismatic feature, introduced from 1923, signifies the official recognition of Afrikaans and South Africa's burgeoning national identity, moving beyond purely colonial iconography.
Artistry: The obverse features Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal's laureated and crowned effigy of King George V facing left, a definitive example of early 20th-century British numismatic portraiture. The reverse, consistent with the Royal Mint's stylistic school, presents a finely detailed wreath of protea, South Africa's national flower, encompassing the "6 PENCE" denomination and date. This indigenous floral motif elegantly symbolizes the nation's unique identity, skillfully blending local symbolism with imperial design traditions.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .800 fine silver, weighing 2.83 grams and 19.35 mm in diameter, this coin adheres to standard Commonwealth specifications. Key high-points for wear assessment include the king's hair and crown on the obverse, and the delicate petals and leaves of the protea wreath, especially at the ribbon's knot and the wreath's apex, on the reverse. While early strikes boast strong lustre, circulation often dulls it. Collectors should also examine for common bag marks on the fields of these silver issues.