Coin
½ Penny - George V (1921) — Australia
Australia • 1921 • KM# 22, Schön# 13
Overview
A 1921 bronze ½ Penny coin from Australia, part of the Standard circulation coins series featuring King George V. Minted at the Sydney Mint.
Specifications
- Country
- Australia
- Year
- 1921
- Composition
- Bronze
- Weight
- 5.67 g
- Diameter
- 25.5 mm
- Thickness
- 1.7 mm
- Mint
- Royal Mint, Sydney, Australia (1855-1926)
- Shape
- Round
- Technique
- Milled
- References
- KM# 22, Schön# 13
- Issuer
- Australia
Design details
Obverse
Crowned and robed bust of George V facing left. Lettering: GEORGIVS V D.G.BRITT: OMN:REX F.D.IND:IMP: B. M.
Reverse
In the center within a circle of beads, the words ONE HALF PENNY in three lines above a plain scroll; around the circle of beads, COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA.
Collector insights
- Design heritage: Edgar Bertram MacKennal (obverse), William Henry James Blakemore (reverse) is credited as the designer for the Standard circulation coins series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
- Struck at: Royal Mint, Sydney, Australia (1855-1926). Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
- Mintage vs. survival: Reported mintage of 5,280,000 is high, but circulation attrition, currency-reform meltdowns, and low collector-preservation rates mean uncirculated (MS-63+) examples are meaningfully scarcer than the raw figure suggests. Check third-party population reports (PCGS/NGC) for realistic survival in top grades.
- Catalogue reference: Listed as
KM# 22, Schön# 13. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.
Curator Insights
Historical context
During 1921, Australia continued its transition toward localized production of its pre-decimal currency system under the reign of King George V. This issue was part of the ongoing effort to normalize the domestic supply of small change through the Sydney Mint rather than relying solely on British contractors. The era was marked by the post-WWI recovery and the stabilization of the Australian Pound as a distinct economic entity.
Design heritage
The obverse features the crowned and robed portrait of King George V by Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal, whose initials appear in the design. The reverse displays the denomination within a central circle of beads, a layout created by William Henry James Blakemore. This utilitarian design was standard for the Commonwealth series and emphasized the national identity through the bold peripheral lettering.
Varieties and technical notes
Collectors should examine the alignment and spacing of the mint marks, though this specific year is primarily associated with the Sydney Mint production. The edge is plain and the strike quality can vary, meaning emphasis is often placed on the sharpness of the beads and the King's robes. Minor die cracks and rim characteristics are typical for the bronze planchets used during this period.
Survival and modern availability
A mintage of over five million coins ensured that this issue remained a common sight in Australian pockets for decades. While many were withdrawn during the 1966 transition to decimal currency, a significant number of circulated examples were preserved. High-grade specimens with original red luster are considerably scarcer due to the vulnerability of the bronze composition to environmental toning and moisture.
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Explore more
Browse more items in the full catalog or view Australia in the country guide.