British West Africa 1942 1/2 penny

Wm. Rosenblum sale 44B, lot 116

British West Africa comprised Gambia, Sierra Leone, Gold Coast (now Ghana) and Nigeria. The union broke up in the late fifties as the parts were granted independence. This specimen was lot 116 in Wm. Rosenblum sale 44B (Colorado Springs, December 2014), where it sold for $85. The catalog description noted, "[B]ritish west africa, George VI. 1942 1/2 Penny. Ch. unc., slightly dirty. Error, with two overlapping punched holes, the 2nd 50% offer-center." Half pennies were issued for British West Africa 1911-52 and this type is listed for 1937-47.

Recorded mintage: 4,800,000 (a common date).

Specification: 5.3 g, copper-nickel, 25.9 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: Y-23, KM-18.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.

Link to:

• 1940-KN half penny
• Australia 1942-I 1/2 penny
• 1942-KN 2 shillings
• 1944 1/10 penny
• 1947-KN half penny
• Coins and currency dated 1942