United Kingdom 1 Penny 1953

United Kingdom · 1953 · 1 penny

Circulating coinCommonVF · Very fine

€2.30estimate in VF

1,308,400coins minted

N6347 KM883 Sp4154

JSReference number JSJS-2BTHS

Circulating coin

Circulating coin of Queen Elizabeth II. First year of her reign for this denomination.

The coin's story

This coin marks the beginning of the long reign of Elizabeth II (crowned in 1953). It is the first 1 penny coin issued for circulation bearing the effigy of Elizabeth II after her accession to the throne in 1952. The title “BRITT:OMN:” is still present, unlike later issues where it was removed. It means “of all the Britains”. A small number of proof coins were struck in 1953, mainly for inclusion in the coronation sets. Like the previous coins, it is in bronze. The weight is 9.50 grams.

ObverseThe Queen's Portrait

ELIZABETH II DEI GRA:BRITT:OMN:REGINA F:D:M.G.

Design: The first laureate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, by Mary Gillick.
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).

MGEngraved by Mary Gillick

ReverseBritannia

ONE PENNY. 1953

Design: Britannia seated right, holding a trident and a shield, with the sea and a lighthouse in the background, Charles Walter Coombes's design unchanged since George VI.
Denomination: ONE PENNY, at the top.
Date: 1953, in the exergue.

CCEngraved by Charles Walter Coombes