George VI British Penny

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Year of Issue: 1946

Denomination: One Penny (1d)

Composition: Bronze (97% copper, 2.5% zinc, 0.5% tin)

George VI British Penny

Brief Description

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.

Estimated Value

$0.50 - $2.00 in circulated condition; $15 - $40 in high uncirculated (MS) grades.

Care Instructions

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.

Mint Mark

None (Royal Mint, London)

Mintage & Rarity

66,854,400; Common

Weight & Diameter

9.45g, 30.8mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

Created At: 2026-04-20T15:19:05.695671