Summary

1 Penny proof coin minted at the Melbourne Mint in 1930.
During the Depression no 1930 pennies were officially issued by the Commonwealth of Australia, yet 3,000 of them were struck. The Melbourne Mint struck the coins to test dies using the number '3' in case orders were received from the Commonwealth. It is believed that 1930 penny dies were later used by guides at the Royal Australian Mint to demonstrate how the presses worked. Visitors souvenired these coins by swapping them with previously-released pennies.

Physical Description

A 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: ; below bust in small lettering the artist's initials B.M. 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 . 1930 .

Obverse Description

Crowned and robed bust of George V facing left; around, GEORGIVS V D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP: ; below bust in small lettering the artist's initials B.M.

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 . 1930 .

Edge Description

Plain

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