1923 Australia King George V One Penny - Key Date - Estimated VF-30



Ask any serious Australian coin collector which penny they want most. The answer is almost always 1923. With an estimated mintage of just 1.6 to 2.2 million, it is by a considerable margin the rarest date in the entire Australian pre-decimal penny series. In any grade it commands a substantial premium, and in Very Fine condition genuine examples are among the most keenly contested pieces in Australian numismatics.



This example presents with even, honest chocolate-brown surfaces, the kind that come from genuine circulation rather than cleaning or environmental damage. The obverse King George V portrait by Sir Bertram Mackennal retains strong definition in the crown and robes, with moderate wear visible only on the very highest points of the beard and hair above the ear. The reverse legends remain bold and fully legible with only slight softening at the peaks. No significant marks, gouges, or rim damage are apparent. Clean, problem-free surfaces consistent with an estimated VF-30 on the Sheldon scale.



A word of caution, and it applies to every 1923 penny offered anywhere: this date is among the most-copied coins in Australian numismatic history. The 1920 and 1921 penny obverses were sometimes altered to create 1923 fakes. Professional authentication by a qualified grading service or experienced Australian numismatist is strongly recommended. This lot is offered as described and as shown in the photos.



Genuine VF-30 examples of the 1923 penny in this condition are not common. The opportunity to bid on one, at auction price, is a real one.



Features

* Key date 1923 - rarest date in the Australian pre-decimal penny series

* Low mintage estimated at approximately 1.6-2.2 million

* King George V effigy by Sir Bertram Mackennal

* Commonwealth of Australia reverse by W.H.J. Blakemore

* Bronze composition (97% copper, 2.5% zinc, 0.5% tin)

* Estimated VF-30 on Sheldon scale

* Even chocolate-brown surfaces, no cleaning or damage evident from photos



Condition Notes

* Moderate, honest wear on high points consistent with circulation

* Authentication by a qualified specialist recommended prior to bidding



Specifications

Year: 1923

Country: Australia (Commonwealth of Australia)

Denomination: One Penny

Composition: Bronze (97% Cu, 2.5% Zn, 0.5% Sn)

Diameter: 30.8mm

Weight: 9.45g

Grade (estimated): VF-30

Authentication: Not third-party graded; specialist inspection recommended

** This Auction is ONLINE VIEWING and SHIPPING ONLY **

.