Nigeria 1959 6 pence

from the Mountain Groan Collection

Nigeria gained a degree of self-rule in 1954, and full independence from the United Kingdom on 1 October 1960, as the Federation of Nigeria with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as its prime minister, while retaining the British monarch, Elizabeth II, as nominal head of state and Queen of Nigeria. This coin was issued during the transition period between crown colony and independence, along with half, one, three, shillings and florins. Previously, the region used the coins of British West Africa. Cacao beans are featured on the reverse.

Reported Mintage: 35,000,000 plus 6,031 proofs.

Specification: 2.5 g, copper-nickel, 17.8 mm diameter, designed by Humphrey Paget.

Catalog reference: KM 4.

Source:

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

Link to:

• British West Africa 1952 6 pence
• Nigeria 1959 shilling
• Coins and currency dated 1959