Coin

½ New Penny - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait (1973) — United Kingdom

United Kingdom • 1973 • KM# 914, Sp# A1

½ New Penny - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait (1973) — United Kingdom

Overview

United Kingdom ½ New Penny coin from 1973.

Specifications

Country
United Kingdom
Year
1973
Composition
Bronze (97% Cu, 2.5% Zn, 0.5% Sn)
Weight
1.78 g
Diameter
17.14 mm
Thickness
1.07 mm
Mint
Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date)
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
References
KM# 914, Sp# A1
Issuer
United Kingdom

Design details

Obverse

Second crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, legend around. Script: Latin. Lettering: ELIZABETH-II D-G-REG-F-D-1971. Unabridged legend: Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensatrix. Translation: Elizabeth II by the Grace of God Queen Defender of the Faith.

Reverse

Central crown of St. Edward, denomination in letters above and numerals below. Script: Latin. Lettering: NEW PENNY ½.

Collector insights

  • Design heritage: Arnold Machin (obverse), Christopher Ironside (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, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date). 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 365,680,000 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# 914, Sp# A1. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

Curator Insights

Historical context

The 1973 half new penny was struck during the transitional years following the United Kingdom's decimalization in 1971. Although the 'New' prefix began to be removed from larger denominations by 1982, this fractional unit retained the 'New Penny' legend throughout its entire lifespan due to its early demonetization. The coin served as the smallest denomination of the decimal system until its value was eroded by inflation and it was withdrawn from circulation in 1984.

Design heritage

The obverse features Arnold Machin’s second portrait of Elizabeth II, which portrays the monarch wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. The reverse was designed by Christopher Ironside and depicts the Crown of Saint Edward, a royal symbol that maintained continuity between the old sterling and new decimal systems. Both artists were prolific in British numismatics, with Machin also designing the standard definitive postage stamps used for decades.

Varieties and technical notes

Standard circulation strikes of 1973 were produced at the Llantrisant facility with a plain edge and a round shape. Collectors should distinguish these from the specimen and proof versions found in the Royal Mint's annual sets, which typically exhibit sharper mirror-like finishes and frosted details. Minor die rotations and planchet flaws may occur, as is common with high-volume bronze striking for this era.

Survival and modern availability

With a mintage exceeding 365 million pieces, the 1973 half new penny remains extremely common in all grades. However, because the coin was demonetized in 1984 and many were removed for recycling or discarded due to their low face value, high-grade uncirculated examples with original red luster are increasingly sought after by type collectors. The vast majority of the surviving population exists in circulated condition or within original mint sets.

More from United Kingdom

Other ½ New Penny - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait issues

Explore more

Browse more items in the full catalog or view United Kingdom in the country guide.