Summary

4 Pence, Issued by British Guiana (now Guyana), 1944
Minted by Royal Mint, London

Obverse Description

Crowned head of the King facing left; around, GEORGE VI KING AND EMPEROR OF INDIA; the artist's initials, PM, below neck

Reverse Description

Within an open oak wreath in two lines, FOUR / PENCE; above, Imperial crown; around, BRITISH GUIANA; below, 1944

Edge Description

Milled

Significance

In 1840 the value of the British Guiana guilder was fixed at 1 shilling and 4 pence (16 pence) and as a result the 4 pence piece was equated to the important 1/4 guilder denomination, known in British Guiana as a 'bit'. The 4 pence or groat therefore became the principle coin circulating in the colony although 3 pence, 2 pence and 1 1/2 pence silver coins were also provided. The West Indies obtained their coins through the Colonial Bank in British Guiana which led in time to the striking of the silver 4 pence for British Guiana and the West Indies from 1891 until 1916.

By Royal Proclamation of 10 May 1917 the coins were only for British Guiana (Annual Report of the Deputy Master and Comptroller of the Royal Mint, 1917 p. 12). Fineness reduced from .925 to .500 fine on 25 February 1944

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