United Kingdom ½ Penny 1954

United Kingdom · 1954 · ½ penny

Circulating coinCommonXF · Extremely fine

€2.50estimate in XF

19,375,200coins minted

KM896 N5824

Circulating coin

The British halfpenny of 1954 is a circulating coin of Queen Elizabeth II. It differs from the 1953 date by the removal of the words “BRITT: OMN:” from the obverse titles, thus simplifying the legend.

The coin's story

The 1954 date inaugurates the second variety of the Elizabeth II halfpenny (KM# 896), recognisable by the shortened obverse titles compared with 1953. Despite rumours, no penny was struck for circulation in 1954, but the halfpenny was struck regularly that year. Reverse variety B: L of HALF between beads, longer teeth.

ObverseThe Queen's Portrait

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F D

Design: The first laureate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (“Young Head”), facing right.
Legend: ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F D (Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith), without the words BRITT: OMN: of 1953.
Signature: M.G., initials of Mary Gillick, on the truncation of the shoulder.

MGEngraved by Mary Gillick

ReverseThe Galleon

HALF PENNY 1954 HP

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: 1954, 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