Summary

Proof 1 Penny, Issued by, Jamaica, 1871
Minted by Royal Mint, London

Obverse Description

Within a beaded circle, a diademed head of the Queen facing left; around, VICTORIA QUEEN; below between two roses, 1871; the artist's name, L.C. WYON, below the neck

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 ONE 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).

Dr. Howat acquired this coin at the closure of the Sydney Mint in 1926. It had formed part of the Mint's exhibit at the 1879-80 Sydney International Exhibition being provided to the Mint by the Royal Mint, London for that purpose.

More Information