Coin
½ Penny - George V (1932) — Australia
Australia • 1932 • KM# 22, Schön# 13
Overview
A 1932 bronze ½ Penny coin from Australia, part of the Standard circulation coins series featuring King George V. Minted at the Melbourne Mint.
Specifications
- Country
- Australia
- Year
- 1932
- Composition
- Bronze
- Weight
- 5.67 g
- Diameter
- 25.5 mm
- Thickness
- 1.7 mm
- Mint
- Royal Mint, Melbourne, Australia (1872-1969)
- 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, Melbourne, Australia (1872-1969). Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
- Mintage vs. survival: A moderate mintage of 2,554,000. Grade rarity is usually the driver of value here — mid-grade circulated pieces are common, but original-surface uncirculated coins can command a strong premium.
- 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 1932, the Australian currency remained pegged to the British pound under the sterling exchange standard, despite the economic pressures of the Great Depression. This half penny was part of a stable coinage system that persisted until decimalization in 1966. The issue was produced to meet the transactional needs of a population dealing with deflationary economic conditions.
Design heritage
The obverse features the crowned and robed bust of King George V, designed by Australian sculptor Edgar Bertram Mackennal, whose initials B.M. appear at the truncation. The reverse was executed by William Henry James Blakemore and showcases a minimalist layout focused on the denomination within a beaded circle. This design followed the traditional British colonial aesthetic used in the Australian series since 1911.
Varieties and technical notes
Collectors of this 1932 issue typically examine the strike quality of the inner beaded circle on the reverse for completeness. These coins were struck with a plain edge and represent a standard circulation strike from the Melbourne Mint. While proof versions of Australian bronze coins exist for certain years, collectors should prioritize specimens with original red luster and sharp detail on the King's robes.
Survival and modern availability
With a mintage exceeding 2.5 million pieces, the 1932 half penny is relatively accessible in circulated grades. However, high-grade examples with full original color are significantly scarcer due to the high circulation turnover and the humid coastal climate of many Australian cities. High attrition rates occurred during the 1966 conversion to decimal currency, when vast quantities of bronze pence and half pence were withdrawn and melted.
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Explore more
Browse more items in the full catalog or view Australia in the country guide.