Australian Kangaroo Penny

Australia · 1943

A bronze Australian penny featuring King George VI on the obverse and a bounding kangaroo on the reverse.

Country: Australia
Year: 1943
Denomination: 1 Penny
Metal: 97% copper, 0.5% tin, 2.5% zinc

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Identified September 14, 2026More australia coins →

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Overview

A bronze Australian penny featuring King George VI on the obverse and a bounding kangaroo on the reverse.

Historical significance

Minted during World War II, Australian coinage faced changes in production locations and composition due to wartime shortages and the need for decentralized coin manufacturing across various branch mints including Melbourne, Perth, Bombay, and San Francisco.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing portrait of King George VI with the legend 'GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP.' surrounding the rim.

Reverse (back)

A bounding kangaroo facing left with the word 'AUSTRALIA' above, 'PENNY' below, the year '1943' to the right, a star to the left, and designer initials 'KG' (George Kruger Gray).

Estimated value

$2 to $15 depending on condition (higher for uncirculated examples)

What drives this coin's value

Overall state of preservation, presence of original red copper luster, specific mint mark variations, and absence of corrosion or cleaning.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU/MS) with attractive original mint luster and traces of red-brown toning.

Mintage & rarity

Millions minted across various mints; generally common in circulated grades, though specific branch mint marks or high-grade specimens can be scarcer.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight, diameter, and magnetic properties (copper is non-magnetic). Look for crisp details in the kangaroo's fur and the king's hair.

Notable varieties & errors

Branch mint marks (such as 'I' for India or 'S' for USA wartime strikes) and various minor die doubleings.

Similar coins

British pennies of the same era, or Australian pennies from other years featuring George V or Elizabeth II.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges using clean cotton gloves. Store in a cool, dry place inside an archival-safe, PVC-free coin holder or flip. Never clean the coin.