Summary

Australia
Nickel Pattern Penny, 1920
Raised Tail variety
Mint: Melbourne

Between 1919 and 1921 a series of experiments were undertaken for a square coinage in nickel to replace the large bronze penny and halfpenny coins. The shape and size was based of a coin from Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

Physical Description

A square nickel pattern coin with rounded corners (18mm across, plain edge) featuring a bare head of George V facing left with the legend GEORGE V D. G. BRITT: OMN: REX 1920 around. The reverse features a Kookaburra seated facing right on small branch its tail raised; curved above, AUSTRALIA; below at right in two lines and large letters, ONE PENNY

Obverse Description

Bare head of George V facing left; in a circle around, GEORGE V D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX 1920

Reverse Description

Kookaburra seated on small branch facing right its tail raised; curved above, AUSTRALIA; below at right in two lines, ONE PENNY

Significance

The production of bronze penny and halfpenny coins at the Melbourne Branch of the Royal Mint began in 1919. The first order from the Commonwealth began "pending the introduction of nickel coins..." leading mint authorities to believe that the introduction of nickel coins was imminent. Between 1919 and 1921 a number of experimental square patterns were produced.

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