United Kingdom ½ Penny 1953

United Kingdom · 1953 · ½ penny

Circulating coinCommonXF · Extremely fine

€1.00estimate in XF

8,926,000coins minted

KM882 N668 Sp4155

Circulating coin

The British halfpenny of 1953 is the first issue of this denomination under the reign of Elizabeth II (Coronation Year). It uses the first portrait of the Queen by Mary Gillick.

The coin's story

This coin marks the beginning of the coinage era of Elizabeth II. The 1953 mintage is significant. It is one of the few dates to include the words “BRITT: OMN:” (of all the Britains) before they were removed from later circulating issues. There are also proof strikings for this year (40,000 pieces).

ObverseThe Queen's Portrait

ELIZABETH II DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REGINA F:D:

Design: The first laureate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (“Young Head”), facing right.
Legend: ELIZABETH II DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REGINA F:D: (Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith).
Signature: M.G., initials of Mary Gillick, on the truncation of the shoulder.

MGEngraved by Mary Gillick

ReverseThe Galleon

HALF PENNY 1953

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: 1953, 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