Ghana 1958 1/2 penny

from the Mountain Groan Collection

This specimen was minted for Ghana in 1958 only and was the only issue of sterling coinage before decimalization in 1966. Ghana was a former British colony and was the first sub-Saharan nation (after Ethiopia) to achieve independence, which occurred in 1957. After 1966, 100 pesawas = one cedi. Cedi means 'cowrie shell', as those shells functioned as money previously. Cowrie shells, cacao pods (a main export of Ghana), and talking drums adorn many of the coins post-1958.

Recorded mintage: 32,200,000 plus 20,000 proofs.

Specification: bronze.

Catalog reference: KM 1.

Source:

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

Link to:

• 1958 sixpence
• 1958 2 shillings
• 1958 10 shillings
• 1967 ½ pesewa
• 1967 2½ pesewas
• 1967 20 pesewas
• Coins and currency dated 1958
• return to coins of the Ghana