One Penny (1d)
George VI British Penny
United Kingdom · 1946
A large bronze coin featuring the portrait of King George VI and Britannia seated.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Year
- 1946
- Denomination
- One Penny (1d)
- Metal
- Bronze (97% copper, 2.5% zinc, 0.5% tin)
This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.
Identified More united kingdom coins →
Explore George VI British Penny in the encyclopedia →Identify your own coins.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Overview
A large bronze coin featuring the portrait of King George VI and Britannia seated.
Historical significance
Issued during the post-WWII reign of George VI. This period saw the gradual transition of the British Empire; for instance, this coin still features 'IND: IMP' (Emperor of India), a title dropped after 1948 following Indian independence.
Obverse (front)
Left-facing portrait (uncrowned) of King George VI. Legend: 'GEORGIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP.'
Reverse (back)
Seated figure of Britannia facing right, wearing a helmet and holding a trident and shield. Her left hand rests on the shield. 'ONE PENNY' is inscribed, with the date '1946' in the exergue.
Estimated value
$0.50 - $2.00 in circulated condition; $15 - $40 in high uncirculated (MS) grades.
What drives this coin's value
Condition/grade is the primary factor. While 1946 is a common date, examples with original red luster (Uncirculated) carry a premium. Surface damage like scratches or corrosion (verdigris) reduces value.
Grade assessment
Fine to Very Fine. Showing moderate wear on high points like Britannia's knee and the King's ear/hair, but legends are fully legible.
Mintage & rarity
66,854,400; Common
Authenticity & counterfeit red flags
Authenticity is rarely an issue for this common date. Check for correct weight and diameter. Counterfeits usually focus on the 1933 or 1954 dates.
Notable varieties & errors
There are no major recognized die varieties for 1946, though collectors sometimes look for minor ghosting (the obverse design visible on the reverse).
Similar coins
Victorian or Edwardian pennies (identifiable by different portraits and larger diameters on pre-1860 issues) and the 1933 Penny (extremely rare key date).
Care & preservation
Store in a PVC-free flip or archival-safe holder. Do not clean or polish the coin, as this removes the original patina and significantly lowers collector value. Handle only by the edges.
More like this
Other united kingdom coins
United Kingdom Two Pence
United Kingdom · 1988
Two Pence (2p)
United Kingdom New Penny
United Kingdom · 1971
1 New Penny
United Kingdom New Penny
United Kingdom · 1977
1 New Penny
United Kingdom Two Pence
United Kingdom · 1981
Two Pence (2p)
United Kingdom Ten Pence
United Kingdom · 2008-2022
10 Pence
United Kingdom Twenty Pence
United Kingdom · 1988
20 Pence
