Item NU 13672 Coin - 1/2 Penny, Jamaica, 1903

Summary

1/2 Penny, Issued by, Jamaica, 1903
Minted by Royal Mint, London

Obverse Description

Within a beaded circle, a crowned and draped bust of the King facing right; around, EDWARD VII KING AND EMPEROR; below between two beads, 1903

Reverse Description

Within a beaded circle a shield bearing the arms and crest of the colony, around below on scroll INDUS UTERQUE SERVIET UNI; around, JAMAICA HALF PENNY

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

From 1834 Imperial silver coins in the denominations of shilling, 6 pence, 3 pence and 3 halfpence were supplied to Jamaica. Copper and bronze coins were unpopular so in 1868 the Governor proposed a coinage in nickel, pence and 1/2 pence were authorised by an Order in Council of 11 November 1869, farthings by a local law in 1880. The coins are actually struck in a nickle bronze (80% copper and 20% nickel).