United Kingdom ½ Penny 1938

United Kingdom · 1938 · ½ penny

Circulating coinCommonXF · Extremely fine

€1.60estimate in XF

40,320,000coins minted

KM844 N870

Circulating coin

The British halfpenny of 1938 is a circulating coin struck under the reign of George VI. It was part of the pre-decimal monetary system of the United Kingdom.

The coin's story

This coin was struck under the reign of King George VI (who reigned from 1936 to 1952). The 1938 date is the second of his reign. The halfpenny and penny coins of George VI (and of Elizabeth II until 1970) are much appreciated by collectors for the galleon design, an iconic symbol of British sea power.

ObverseThe King's Portrait

GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP

Design: The bare-headed bust of King George VI facing left.
Legend: GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP: (George VI, by the grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India).
Signature: HP, initials of Thomas Humphrey Paget, below the bust.

TPEngraved by Thomas Humphrey Paget

ReverseThe Galleon

HALF PENNY 1938

Design: A galleon sailing left, inspired by Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind, it is the same design as on the 1 penny coins.
Denomination: HALF PENNY, at the top.
Date: 1938, at the bottom.
Signature: HP, initials of the engraver Thomas Humphrey Paget, to the right of the ship's hull.

TPEngraved by Thomas Humphrey Paget