Australia 1955(p) half penny
This specimen was lot 24106 in Heritage sale 3032 (Chicago, April 2014), where it sold for $3,818.75. The catalog description[1] noted, "Elizabeth II Proof Halfpenny 1955-(P), Perth mint, PR62 Red NGC. Mintage: 301. Seemingly conservatively graded with wispy lines (as is typical of the type) atop spot-free surfaces and gorgeous rose-hued peripheries that frame rich orange-red centers. A key date issue that should attract significant specialist attention." The SCWC does not record why proofs are so rare for this date, which is otherwise common. The type was issued 1953-55 from Perth. In 1956, the obverse was modified to change the queen's titles.
Sterling coinage was struck for several countries besides Great Britain, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Southern Rhodesia, Fiji and New Guinea. All converted to decimal coinage in the 1960's.
Recorded mintage: 9,343,000 plus 301 proofs.
Specification: 5.9 g, bronze, 25.5 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 49.
- McDonald, Greg, The Pocket Guide to Australian Coins and Banknotes, 23rd ed., Lavington, Australia, 2017.
- Pitt, Michael, Renniks Australian Coin and Banknote Values, 32nd Edition, Matraville, New South Wales, Australia: Renniks Publications, 2023.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3032, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2014.
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