United Kingdom 1 Penny 1948

United Kingdom · 1948 · 1 penny

Circulating coinCommonAU · About uncirculated

€4.70estimate in AU

63,961,200coins minted

N669 KM845 Sp4114

JSReference number JSJS-2TYAA

Circulating coin

Circulating coin of George VI. It is the last date to bear the title “IND:IMP”.

The coin's story

This date is important because it is the last to include the designation “IND:IMP” (Imperator Indiae / Emperor of India), India having gained its independence in 1947. The mintage of 63,961,200 is high, making the coin common in low grades. 48 coins to the avoirdupois pound (about 9.45 grams). Coin demonetised on 31 August 1971.

ObverseThe King's Portrait

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

Design: The bare-headed bust of King George VI facing left, by Thomas Humphrey Paget.
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, below the truncation of the neck.

TPEngraved by Thomas Humphrey Paget

ReverseBritannia

ONE PENNY 1948

Design: Britannia seated right, holding a trident and a shield, with the sea and a lighthouse in the background, after L.C. Wyon's design retouched by Charles Walter Coombes.
Denomination: ONE PENNY, at the top.
Date: 1948, in the exergue.

CCEngraved by Charles Walter Coombes