1955 Australian Penny - Queen Elizabeth II - Melbourne Mint

Australia. Melbourne Mint. Bronze penny, pre-decimal.



Australian pre-decimal pennies are the gateway coin for a lot of collectors. They're affordable, tangible history, and there's a complete date set to chase. This 1955 penny comes from the Melbourne Mint, confirmed by the absence of a dot after "PENNY" (the Perth Mint dot variety is the scarcer of the two). The obverse carries Mary Gillick's laureate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the reverse carries George Kruger Gray's kangaroo design, both icons of Australia's pre-decimal coinage.



To be straight about it: this is a well-circulated example. The grade sits around Good-6 to Very Good-8, with significant wear across the high points on both faces. The date and legends remain legible throughout. The coin carries a natural deep chocolate-brown patina consistent with uncleaned aged bronze, and some uneven surface discolouration points to environmental exposure through its circulation life. No evidence of deliberate cleaning. Minor contact marks present. Housed in a 2x2 cardboard staple holder.



Grade (our assessment): Good-6 (G-6) to Very Good-8 (VG-8)

Slabbed: No (raw, in cardboard holder)

Country: Australia

Denomination: One Penny (1d)

Year: 1955

Mint: Melbourne Mint (no dot variety)

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

Weight: 9.45 grams

Diameter: 30.8 mm

Designer (obverse): Mary Gillick

Designer (reverse): George Kruger Gray

Cleaning: No evidence of cleaning

Toning: Natural dark brown, some uneven patina

Condition notes: Heavy circulation wear. Fine detail lost on both faces. Date and legends legible.



An affordable, honest 1955 Melbourne Mint penny for the date set collector. What it lacks in grade it makes up for in price point and authenticity.

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

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