Summary

1 Penny coin, Australia, 1916.
Mint: Calcutta.

During World War I, from 1916 until 1918, the Calcutta Mint was employed to strike Australian bronze coins. The coins bear the mint mark I (for India) below the lower scroll.

This coin was acquired by Museums Victoria in a collection of belongings from World War I soldier Private Michael Ward, within suitcase HT 48377. Ward, service no. 4138, was an unmarried 26-year-old farm labourer born in Eddington, Victoria, when he enlisted to serve in World War I on 26 April (attestation 21 March) 1916. He served in the 29th and later the 38th Battalions, and was wounded in knees and hand on 15 April 1918, at Buire in the Somme region of France. He was sent to England for treatment and returned to Australia in late 1918. His discharge from service was delayed until 20 February 1921 because he was still undergoing treatment for war wounds. Michael Ward lived to 72 years of age.

Physical Description

Round bronze coin (30.8 mm diameter with plain edge) featuring a crowned and robed bust of George V facing left; around, GEORGIVS V D. G. BRITT: OMN: REX F. D. IND: IMP:. The reverse features, within a circle of beads, the words ONE PENNY in two lines between upper and lower ornate scrolls; around the circle of beads, COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA . 1916 . Green corrosion spots on obverse.

Obverse Description

Crowned and robed bust of George V facing left; around, GEORGIVS V D. G. BRITT: OMN: REX F. D. IND: IMP:

Reverse Description

At centre within a circle of beads, the words ONE PENNY in two lines between upper and lower ornate scrolls; around the circle of beads, COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA . 1916 .

Edge Description

Plain

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