ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · Welkinridge · Public domain
George VI Penny
South Africa
1937–1952
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$0.12
Based on Copper spot price ($6.07/oz) · 95.0% purity · 9.42g
Updated 10:13 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | South Africa |
| Years Minted | 1937–1952 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 9.42 g |
| Diameter | 30.8 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Features the crowned bust of King George VI facing left.
Reverse
Depicts the Southern Cross constellation and the shields of the four provinces.
History & Notable Facts
The George VI penny from South Africa features inscriptions in both English and Afrikaans, a practical nod to the country's bilingual reality in the 1940s.
This bronze coin, minted between 1937 and 1952, shows King George VI's portrait on the obverse, facing left, with the date below. The reverse displays the South African coat of arms, including a shield flanked by a springbok and a lion. Varieties exist; for instance, some 1946 issues might have subtle die differences that escape casual notice.
Mintage figures vary by year, but records for the later issues are spotty—likely lost in postwar disarray. As for the metal, it's straightforward bronze, though wartime shortages could have affected quality.
Some folks still think these pennies are just British castoffs. They're not.
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