This is Mike Locke's best attempt to date at a complete listing of all of known die varieties of Australian half pennies and pennies. Most damaged die varieties can be found listed under the heading "cracks and chips" for the appropriate date. Sort of the ultimate date set collection; this is a challenge to complete in any condition. Last updated 8/24/97, added 1956 penny vars, changed notes on 1957 narrow date, thin 7. 8/27/97, added proof notes from Paul Holland and "The Pocket Book Guide to Australian Coins and Banknotes" 2nd ed by Greg McDonald. Varieties marked "proof" exist in proof and business strike. Varieties marked "proof only" are exactly that. Varieties without such marks are not known to the author to exist in proof, although proofs may exist. Note that most proofs were specially made for museums and similar special displays, or as presentation pieces to dignataries. As a result, they are very rare and valuable today. Only a few of the Elizabeth II issues were sold to the public on a regular basis. The 1942I and 1943I proof coins were struck in 1964-1965. They were sold by mail to the general public by the Bombay mint, but the RAM protested this production and it was halted early. The coins are of substandard quality, with heavy die polish, worn dies, and very thick lacquer. 9/6/97, added 1957 Perth DDO penny, updated 1957 Perth thin 7 penny 9/9/97, added notes on 1959 Perth pennies, fixed a few errors 9/12/97 added 1944 Perth RPM penny 9/13/97 added 1922 DDO #2 half penny 9/20/97 added 1921 half penny date notes 9/21/97 added 1922 half penny "cracks and chips". Note that George V half pennies will develop a blob over "penNy" from clashing. This is observed on all dates. 10/5/97 Added more half penny "cracks and chips". 10/6/97 More half penny cracks and chips 10/11/97 More half penny cracks and chips. Note that fine cracks through the dots of "COMMONWEALTH" half pennies are too numerous to ID. 10/18/97 Added 1917 1/2 d varieties 11/1/97 Added 1930 1d variety 12/7/97 Added 1922 1d notes and some more cracks and chips 12/14/97 Fixed notes about 1942I 1/2d proof and 1926 1d proof 12/21/97 Added notes on 1961 Perth proofs and 1955 Melbourne proofs. 2/1/98 Added notes regarding 1915 penny varieties with info provided by Paul Holland. 2/4/98 Added 1941 K.G DDO penny and 1962 Y. proof DDO penny 3/7/98 Altered 1952 A. thick 2 penny listing, per Paul Holland 3/24/98 Added a few notes, particularly to 1952 pennies 4/18/98 Rewrote 1921 half penny section 4/19/98 Major updates to 1953 and 1954 half penny sections 5/8/98 Major update to 1919 penny section 6/28/98 Added new 1949 penny DDRs 8/23/98 Added new 1964 Y. penny offset clash and confirmation of 1952 Y. penny 2 leans left varieties; both provided by Don Tomsett. 9/20/98 Corrected description of 1921 1/2d offset clash #2, added 1954 1/2d offset clash, 1963 1d offset clash, and 1953 1/2d DDO #5. All information provided by Don Tomsett. 10/3/98 Added 1922 1d DDO 11/7/98 Added 1945 1/2d misplaced mint mark 12/21/98 Added 1950m 1d date variety per Paul Holland I have marked the really eye catching varieties with a *. Regarding Elizabeth II proofs: those seen from Melbourne have a polished appearance. The fields are semi-PL and not fully mirrored. Luster is satiny, although some cartwheel may be present. Strike is good, but may not be full. They look like exceptionally nice business strikes and are very difficult to authenticate. 1955-1959 sets came wrapped in tissue and are prone to being scratched during shipping. 1960-1961 sets came in a vinyl pocket holder and will have PVC damage if they were not removed from this packaging. 1962-1963 sets came in a small rigid black plastic holder which does not hold the coins securely, so that the coins are usually damaged from shipping. Those seen from Perth have a finish similar to the new specimen coins from Canada: the fields are frosted while the devices are polished bright. It would appear that the field frost was acheived by coarsely abraiding the fields of the dies, since numerous "die lines" are noted. This field texture would be very difficult to fake on a business strike. The devices give the appearance of having been polished post strike. The rims appear to have been ground smooth post strike, leaving no evidence of the wire rim extrusion that is normally associated with proof coins. There are several question marks throughout this text. This indicates that I have a coin that may or may not have the described characteristic. Note that certain types of strike doubling (machine doubling damage, as Alan Herbert likes to call it) and certain types of doubled dies are difficult to distinguish especially if only one example is available. I have also included a list of all known hub changes. This list was compiled primarily from information provided by Paul Holland, who I would like to thank for his assistance. For the most part, I have not attempted to estimate rarity of these varieties, although it should be noted that some are quite rare, while others are quite common. Most hub varieties are identified by noting changes in the alignment of the letters to the rim device. It is possible that some hub changes are not noted, due to the use of this technique. HALF PENNIES Obverse hubs 1911-1936 George V 1938-1948 George VI, with IMD:IMP: 1949-1951 George VI, no IMD:IMP: "fideI" dotted, obv of 1949 1951-1952 "fideI" not dotted obv of 1952 1953-1955 Elizabeth II, no FD 1959-1964 Elizabeth II, with FD Reverse Hubs 1911-1939 Circle of dots 1939-1949 hairless 'roo ears 1950-1952 hair in 'roo ear (may include some 1949) 1942 Bombay, short reverse denticles 1942-1943 Bombay, long reverse denticles 1953-1962 | under "halF" (same as 1950-1952?) 1963-1964 dot under "halF" ------------------------------ **By date** ------------------------------ 1911 no known varieties, proofs 1912 H no known varieties, proofs 1913 6mm date the most common variety 1913 6.5mm date front of 3 over the right edge of a dentil 1913 wide date, front of 3 over left-center of a dentil 1914 no known varieties 1914 H no known varieties 1915 H no known varieties 1916 I, proofs 1916 no I, unconfirmed. Probably exists only as a filled or worn die. *1916 obv of India Quarter anna. Extremely rare, only a handful known. This is probably the rarest Australian bronze coin. 1917 I thick 7. upper and lower edges of top stroke of 7 not parallel. serif is heavy, symmetrical and blunt. The least common variety. 1917 I thin 7. upper and lower edges of top stroke of 7 parallel. serif is delicate and points left. A common variety. 1917 I thin 7 over thick 7. Split serif on 7 just visible. Wider downstroke of thick 7 also noteable. Some doubling noticable on the second 1 also. The most common variety. 1917 cracks and chips light crack across top of date no I reported 1918 I no known varieties no I reported 1919 even 19s bottom point of second 9 touches line from a denticle through the center of the coin, proofs, 1919 second 19 wide bottom point of second 9 to right of line from a denticle through the center of the coin 1919 chips and cracks observed second 19 wide, crack from rim to "Of" diagonally above "F" bulge between "TH O", later becomes a full break; crack from rim in front of cross and down in front of crown pearls; crack/chip spans 3 dots next to "austRalia" and light crack through bases of "auSTRALia", later heavy crack through bases of "aUSTRALIA", chip and smaller crack between "ausTRalia", more extensive chipping in dots even 19s, bulge above crown from "britT" to "OMn"; two faint cracks near tops of "EALTH OF AUS", forms spur on "weAlth"; faint crack rim to tops of "H OF AU"; heavy crack base of "d.G. BRITt"; crack rim through "weaLth" to dots; crack rim through "cOmmonwealth" to dots plus break in field under "PEnny" 1920 normal date, proofs, 0 is centered above a denticle, 6.3 mm between upper serif of 1 and side of 0 1920 High 0, 0 is centered between denticles, 1 base points at bottom tip of 9, base of 1 is doubled, 6.1 mm between upper serif of 1 and side of 0 1920 thin digits, worn die?, unconfirmed 1920 High 1, 0 is centered between denticles, 1 base points just above bottom tip of 9, 6.1 mm between upper serif o f1 and side of 0 1921 date width varieties can be identified by accurately measuring the distance from the top right corner of the second 1 to the left most part of the serif of the first 1. Alternatively, the alignment of the second one relative to the denticals below it and the dot circle above it can be observed. I use the center of the stand in the comments below 1921 Date #1 5.8 mm, 1 points between dots, and slightly to the right of the space between denticles 1921 Date #2 5.8mm thin digits. Upper loop of 2 is 0.1mm instead of the usual 0.2-0.25mm. Does not appear to be a worn die. The first 1 width varies a lot from coin to coin, do not use this to identify. Second 1 points between dots and at a denticle. 1921 Date #3 6.0mm, 1 points to left edge of a dot, to left of the space between denticles 1921 Date #4 6.0mm 1 points to left edge of a dot, at a denticle. The second 1 is just a bit high in this var. 1921 Date #5 5.9mm thin digits, 1 point to left edge of a dot, at a denticle. All digits extremely shallow. Appears to be a worn or improperly hubbed die with date #4. 1921 Date #6 6.20mm, 1 points at a dot and at a denticle. Scarce. I beleive this is the same as Clark's "second 1 high" variety, since that 1 measures 0.1 mm higher than on the other varieties. 1921 Date #7 5.8mm date as on #2 but digits not thin. 1921 Date #8 5.8mm date 1 points to right edge of a denticle and left edge of a dot. Apparently scarce. *** The differences between these dates is slight and it is very easy *** to confuse the identifications. It is possible that there are *** more varieties. *1921 offset clash #1, reverse. Clashed denticles seen at top of "HALF" Extremely unusual error, easily nacked eye visible. Comes with date #7 See also 1964 Perth pennies. 1921 QUADRUPLE offset clash #2, reverse. Unbeleiveable, but subtle error. Clashed denticles seen between "pENny", at a different angle and offset across "haLf", at another angle and offset to the left of P, and yet another to the left of H. The later two clashes are faint. Clash at "haLf" fades out, chip forms above first 1 in date. Comes with date #3. The faint offset clashes first noted by Don Tomsett. 1921 Triple offset clash #3, reverse. Clashed denticles seen between "pENny", from dot ring through 2, and from dot ring across "australiA" down near date dot. Reported by Don Tomsett. The marks on this coin are faint and the mark between EN does not curve as expected and seen on variety #1 and #2. 1921 cracks and chips heavy crack "Half pENny" to right date dot with another crack to left of date, later crack extends to left of "Half" and above "Half"; thin digits narrow date 10 degree rotation and crack rim to "commoNwealth"; crack rim to "pennY", bulges under "Penny" and "halF"; bulge at "imP:"; heavy crack "D:G: BRItt", very late die state, both dies obverse shows heavy flow lines, reverse is extremely worn with very little relief left and no denticals remaining at upper left; over polished or improperly hubbed obverse die with extremely low relief to the lettering, tops "GEORgivs" and "OMN REX" barely present; numerous issues with small cracks rim to lettering; numerous issues with small rotations--10 to 20 degrees; 1922 1922 DDO #1, CW pivot about 10:00 moderate separation, lettering and crown First reported by M.A. Byrnes of Australia July 8, 1983 and listed by Krause as SOC-8624 (1-O-V-K8). Historical information provided courtesy of Alan Herbert and Krause Publications. 1922 DDO #2, CCW pivot about 12:00 moderate separation. lower half of legend. Fairly common for a DDO, this is probably design hub doubling. See 1926 DDO. 1922 Cracks and chips observed: Chip top-left edge "penNy"; chip inside lower opening of "Half" with a crack to left through dots (chip grows); chip on lower left edge of "One"; large bisecting crack from "commoNwealth" to "auStralia"; crack "f.D." to bust; crack from bust tip through "geORGIVS D.G."; crack "f.D. IND: Imp:"; crack dots to "halF"; crack rim through "commonWealth" to dots, upward jog then curving upwards across "ONE" to dots near "Australia", second crack diagonal from dots just touching "Of" and connecting midway up "oF" 1923 no known varieties, key date, usually ugly and low grade, proofs 1924 no known varieties, proofs 1925 no known varieties, proofs 1925 cracks and chips heavy crack rim to tops of "V D.G" to rim 1926 proofs 1926 DDO. CCW pivot about 12:00 moderate separation. Lower half of legend Indistinguishable from 1922 DDO #2 and also fairly common. Same die? Doubled hub? First reported by Lt Col Glen Goffin of FL April 16, 1981 and listed by Krause as SOC-7837. Historical information provided courtesy of Alan Herbert and Krause Publications. The existance and use of multiple master dies would be consistent with the mint practices for pennies. It is possible that identical design hub doubled varieties exist for other dates as well. 6 always just a bit low. Most show an undertype 6 which is about 1mm higher. Keep an eye out for a high 6 variety! 1926 cracks and chips very heavy retained cud in an arc from "Britt" to "Rex" across crown, also later cracks through bottom of "GEORgivs" and cracked rim to "commonwealTh", still later vertical crack from cud-rear of crown juncture down to field; crack rim between "26" to "penNy", later cracks rim through "austrAlia" across dots into field; crack rim between "georgIVs" to large buckled area in field, along bottom of buckle and across lower part of bust, later cracks from rim through "iMp" to bust truncation; heavy crack rim through "rEx" then along bottoms of "rEX F.D"; crack rim through "georgiVS" into field near King's mouth; faint crack rim through "austRalia" to dots, also connecting bottoms of "austraLIA"; faint crack tops of "WEAlth" Most show a defect on the outside of the dot ring next to "commonwealTh", scarce without the defect 1927 no known varieties, proofs All 1927 1/2 d seen have a awkwardly high 7 and the bottom of the 2 is distorted. Some show an underlying 7, placed slightly wider and at a more normal height. I have not seen a coin with a "low 7" although such a coin may exist. 1927 cracks and chips large chip inside "georGIvs", seen with fine crack to right of date; crack from rim near "geoRgivs" forking at base of R down across bust point and also up through field; fine arcing crack from front bust tip, near lettering to crown, with fine crack bases of "reX F.D." to rim; crack tops of "coMMONWEalth"; crack rim to right edge of "omN" into field; fine crack bases of "oMN. REX F.D." to rim, chip next to last dot elongates the dot; fine crack bases of "reX F.D. IND:IMP" 1928 no known varieties, proofs 1928 cracks and chips large chip inside "rEX"; small chip after "IMP:" 1929 no known varieties, proofs second 9 always leans right 1929 cracks and chips die scratch between "pENny"; arcing die scratches, one from dots under "OF A" ending very close to U, the other starting center of "Aus" and ending higher up on "auS", seen faint or bold; crack rim to dots between "ausTRalia"; chip rim to "australiA"; 5 chips large west of "Half", small north-east of "Half", between "australIA", between australiA .", between 1929 and ."; crack rim to dots through "commonweAlth"; chip right foot of "hAlf"; many small chips most notable are north east of 1929 and under bar, field is markedly wavy; crack top of date, starts out faint and later becomes bold; 3 cracks, rim to dots between . and 1929, through "commonweAlth", just touching "Australia"; crack rim to dots through "commonWealth"; chip north east of date, not the same as "many small chips"; chip in front of "Common" 1930 normal date, 3 always low, back straight up&down, proofs 1930 3 leans right, unconfirmed 1931 no known varieties, proofs 1932 normal date, line drawn along base of 2 points to base of 3, proofs 2 has a rounded lower left corner 1932 2 upright, line drawn along base of 2 points above base of 3 2 has a sharply pointed lower left corner, scarcer var 1932 chips and cracks crack tops of "commONWEAlth"; chip above d.G.; chip between "iND"; faint crack bases of "georGIVS V D.G. Britt"; crack sloping from bottom to top of "gEORVIvs";faint angled cracks through "georgIVS V D.G." and also tops of "COMMon" 1933 no known varieties, proofs 1933 chips and cracks light crack rim through "weAlth" to lower edge of "One"; crack rim through "oMn" to back of lower crown band; branching crack rim along "D.g." into field also top of "V", large gentle bulge in adjacent field area; fine crack base of "georgivS V D.G. BRitt", another base of "omN REX", another very faint through "AUSTRAlia"; crack "omN:REX F.D.INd"; crack rim through tops of "wealTH OF" back to rim, another fine crack tops of "COMMONWealth"; many fine cracks noted between lettering, as on 1934-1936 also. 1934 no known varieties, proofs 1934 chips and cracks crack rim near "Rex" into field; strong strike doubling observed on obverse; date digits doubled on all early die states. 1935 no known varieties, proofs 1935 chips and cracks thin circle inside reverse dot ring, improper die processing? very fine crack base of "REX F" and heavier crack tops of "coMMONWealth"; strong obverse strike doubling observed 1936 no known varieties, proofs 1936 chips and cracks bulge under "pENNY"; fine crack tops of "commONWealth" and another bases of "commoNWEALth"; crack tops of "aUSTRalia"; die defect joins bases of "coMMon"; fine crack through "georgiVS V D.G. BRItt", later another through "OMN: REX F.D.Ind" 1938 no known varieties, proofs 1938 chips and cracks various very fine cracks between letters. Observed with lathe lines inside and outside of dot ring on reverse; strike doubling observed both obv and rev; crack through "coMMONWealth" 1939 dot rev, proofs 1939 chips and cracks thin circle inside reverse dot ring, similar to 1935; crack past "geO" into field, another rim to bottoms of "georgiVS" and into field; strike doubling observed both obv and rev 1939 roo rev, scarcer var, proofs 1940 no known varieties, proofs 1941 no known varieties, proofs 1942 no known varieties, proofs 1942 Y. no known varieties, proofs 1942 .H Y. & I 1942 .H Y. & I reverse of 1943 very scarce, proof restrike 1943 *1943 DDO CW pivot about 12:00, wide separation at "IMP GEO" 1943 Y. proof pattern only 1943 .H Y. & I, proof restrike 1943 .H Y. & I DDO, slight separation at "P GE" 1943 .H Y. missing I, very scarce. Probably a worn or clogged die. 1944 no known varieties 1944 cracks and chips small chip in front of King's mouth 1945 no mm, Melbourne. proof only pattern (how to ID?) 1945 Y. Perth 1945 Y. Misplaced mint mark? A dot the correct size for a mint mark appears above the * rather than the usual place. See also 1945 Y. 1d 1945 no mm, Perth. True missing mm., proofs (could be an error in my ref) This variety is too common to have been created by a single blundered die. It may have been created intentionally. 1946 Y. 0.25-0.35mm diameter mm, proofs-not known which mm 1946 Y. 0.45-0.55mm diameter mm RAM started putting the mm on the Penny master die in 1946 Usually with extremely weak strikes. 1946 Y. cracks and chips Small mm with round lumps at center obv, NW of "georgivS", East of "F:D:", North of "Australia", South of "ausTralia", on "australIa", East of 'roo nose, west of KG, fine crack tops of "austRALIA", and another near verticle rim through * to "pennY"; large mm with many lumps on both sides including in front of upper lip, 2 on ear, jaw, around "dG", near denticles above "Kg", around "Australia", and after date; small mm severe die crumbling to right of 'roo, with several lumps elsewhere on the reverse;small mm large lump top of effigy head, 3 lumps around "HALf", small lump above "46". 1947 Y. no known varieties, proofs 1947 cracks and chips small chip under bust point; crack rim to left center edge "penNy", another finer crack rim to base of "pennY", another fine vertical crack through *, long but not touching either rim; heavy crack rim through right edge of "Half" into field above first date digit 1948 no known varieties, proofs 1948 cracks and chips heavy crack tops of "AUST" to rim; crack rim through "Georgivs", crack tops of "F:D", jagged crack through "IND" to rim; extremely heavy die polish lines at "inD: IMP" simulating cracks; crack * to "pennY" 1948 Y. --possibly with lathe lines on the reverse, proofs 1948 Y. cracks and chips crack rim through "auStralia" 1949 proof only pattern 1949 Y. no known varieties, proofs 1949 Y. cracks and chips crack rim through P to first 9 in date; series of fine cracks starting at bust point goes *clockwise* to "deF" nearly encircling the obverse; crack rim to left side of "Half";crack rim above tail, across tail, down to "Kg", seen with faint crack tops of "geORGIVS Vi" 1950 Y. no known varieties, proofs 1950 Y. cracks and chips fine crack tops of "reX FIDEI" 1951 Y. Perth obv of 1949 1951 Y. Perth obv of 1952 1951 no mm Perth obv of 1949 (scarce) 1951 no mm Perth obv of 1951, includes PROOFs Another missing mm that is too common to have been made from a single die. For reasons that I cannot comprehend right now, the no mm coins are usually severely bag marked. 1951 no mm Perth obv of 1951 cracks and chips crack tops of "georgIVS V D", later nearly encircling obverse, both very late die state 1951 PL obv of 1949 only, no known varieties, proofs As always, the London made coins are of superior average quality. 1951 PL cracks and chips Several extremely fine cracks observed in the lettering, the only one large enough to note being: crack rim through "fiDei" into bulge in field. 1952 A. no known varieties, proofs 1953 A. proofs There are at least 9 different mint mark position-varieties for this date. The mint mark is seen large or small, and frequently repunched. This large number of varieties indicates that the mint mark was probably hand added to each die before it was put into use. I will not attempt to enumerate all of the mint mark positions at this time. 1953 A. dot under "austrliA", (die damage) scarce *1953 A. DDO #1 wide separation from 6 oclock pivot CCW at "NA +", doubling visible on most of the legend (very scarce to rare) 1953 A. DDO #2 modest separation 9 oclock pivot CCW "ABETH II" 1953 A. DDO #3 modest separation 8 oclock pivot CW "ZABETH" 1953 A. DDO #4 modest separation 10 oclock pivot CCW "ABETH II" Very similar to #2, but larger separation and under type fades out near rim. ?? There seems to be several of the slight separation DDOs; more ?? study needed. 1953 A. DDO #5 wide separation CW at "NA +". Discovered by Don Tomsett. 1954 Y. proofs 1954 Y. DDO #1 moderate separation 5 oclock pivot CW "A REGINA + ELIZAB" 1954 Y. DDO #2 slight separation CCW rotation all letters 1954 Y. DDO #3 slight separation CCW rotation all letters. Very similar to #2 but details differ very slightly. On DDO #2 doubling on "eLIza" is bold the full height of the letters, on DDO #3 the doubling fades out. The exact amount of offset differs also. There may be others with slightly different doubling also. *1954 Y. DDO #4 distorted hub, bold spread to outside on all letters 1954 Y. DDO slight separation CW rotation all letters. This could be an erroneous listing, so I have not assigned a number 1954 Y. DDR slight separation at "pennY *" (nice split serif top right Y) 1954 Y. Double offset clash. Obverse rim denticles visible above "pennY" and also verticle from 'roo butt. See also 1921 1/2d, 1963 1d, and 1964 1d. Reported by Don Tomsett. The marks above Y are faint, but there appears to be drag marks between these marks and those beneath the 'roo. If so, this would provide proof of the "die fragment" theory of the genesis of this type error. An earlier die state example is needed. 1955 no known varieties, proofs 1955 cracks and chips apparent long die gouge at "pennY" 1959 no known varieties, proofs 1960 Y. no known varieties, proofs 1960 Y. cracks and chips wire clash (raised image of fine wire) in field inside "gratIa"; rim cud at "H II" 1961 Y. no known varieties, proofs. Proofs show a chip at lower right of "aUstralia" and a small lump at upper left of "Penny" 1961 Y. cracks and chips rim cud at "DEI"; chip lower left corner of "elizabEth" 1962 Y. no known varieties, proofs 1963 Y. no known varieties, proofs 1964 Y. no known varieties, proofs-only one struck ******************************************** PENNIES Collars: George V pennies are noted with wide rims or narrow rims. These correspond to different diameter collars, as can be confirmed by measuring the diameter of the coin with a caliper. It is not known if this variation was intentional or simply the result of sloppy tolerances. It has been suggested that different diameter collars were used at the Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth mints during those years when no other distinguishing marks were put on the coins to identify the mint. This remains pure speculation at this time. See August 1964 "World Coins" for a more detailed, illustrated article by Robert Clarke on this subject. In 1919 Penny production moved to Australia. The London mint still made the dies, but apparently did not make enough for use in Australia. As a result, new dies were made in Melbourne. However, Melbourne did not have the master tooling, it was still in London. As a result, these dies were undoubtedly made by copying one or more of the working dies made in London. It is observed that some dies have sharp details while others are mushy and some coins have curved bases to the reverse lettering while others have flat bases. It is not known yet if all curved base letter reverses also have mushy details, but it is likely that either is the result of the die work at the Melbourne mint. It is important to observe that recent experiments demonstrate that inadequate striking pressure and presumably inadequate master die pressure when making a hub will result in die fill problems that are observed as curved base letters. The same phenomena is observed on USA Bust dollars (so called bifurcated lettering), and has also been reported by Gallery Mint Museum in their reproduction work. Most of this information was provided by Paul Holland. This applies to coins from 1919 through 1923 only. Obverse hubs: OBV 1: George V London die obverse: 1911-1915,1919-1936 (1930 doubtful) OBV 2: George V Calcutta die obverse: 1916-1918, 1920-1922, 1924, 1925 (doubtful), 1927, 1929-1931 OBV 3: George VI with IND IMP, "imP" with bead 1938-1948 OBV 4: George VI with IND IMP, "imP" between beads, Bombay coins OBV 5: George VI no IND IMP 1949-1952 OBV 6: Elizabeth II first obverse: no F:D: Melbourne "gratIa" not dotted OBV 7: Elizabeth II first obverse: no F:D: Perth "gratIa" dotted OBV 8: Elizabeth II Melbourne die "elIzabeth" dotted. 1955-1959, 1964, including 1955-1956 Perth OBV 9: Elizabeth II Perth die "elIzabeth" not dotted. 1955-1964 Perth only Reverse hubs: REV A: 1911,1923-1929, 1931 low 1 reverse "commonweAlth" to left of dentical, "australIa" not dotted right date dot position differs slightly on rev of 1911 vs rev of 1923? REV B: 1912H-1915,1919,1921-1922,1930-1936 reverse "commonweAlth" to right of dentical, date dots: left between, right dotted REV C: 1916I-1917I, 1920 Calcutta die obv reverse "commonweAlth" dotted (small inner dots) DOUBTFUL: 1918I reverse "commonweAlth" to right of dentical, date dots smaller and aligned with denticals REV D: Kangaroo 1938 Melbourne die: Melbourne 1938-1953 and Perth 1938-1952 (U and P aligned with denticles). This hub starts like with slight doubling at "PEnnY", which fades out after a couple of years. **Mintmark placed on hub starting in 1946** REV E: Kangaroo 1942 Bombay die: 1942-1943 Bombay (long denticles, 'roo face differs) REV F: Kangaroo 1943 Bombay die: 1943 Bombay (shorter denticles) REV G: Kangaroo London die, 1951 PL and 1952-1955, 1957 Perth ('roo head smaller, positioned slightly lower with respect to the denticles, "kG" thinner, farther right and leans right, P aligned with dash) REV H: Kangaroo 1955 Melbourne die: Melbourne 1953-1964 (plain 5 1953, U not aligned with anything P aligned with denticle) REV I: Kangaroo Perth die: Perth 1956-1964 (P not aligned with dash or denticle) ----------------------------- **Pennies by date ** ----------------------------- 1911 no known varieties, proofs 1912 H no known varieties, proofs 1913 wide date: 7.6mm top to top A line drawn along the back edge of the 3 cuts the left edge of a denticle, passes between dots and goes through the center of the coin 1913 narrow date: 7.5mm top to top A line drawn along the back edge of the 3 cuts the center of a denticle, clips the left edge of a dot and goes left of coin center This 3 leans slightly to the left. 1914 normal date, crs bar points above 1 base 1914 4 leans left, crsbar points at 1 base, the scarcer variety 1915 no mm left edge of upright of 5 points at center of a dot Date measures 7.7mm top-top 1915 no mm left edge of upright of 5 points at left edge of a dot Date measures 7.6mm top-top This later variety has a narrower date than the first and appears to be slightly scarcer than the first, although both are common. Clark reports that "second 15 wide" is scarcer. No scarce, wider 15 variety is known to the author. 1915 no mm 5 leans left, the scarcest variety. Left edge of upright of 5 points between dots. Widest date. 1915 H no known varieties 1916 I, proofs 1916 no mm, this probably only exists as a filled die with weak mm 1917 I no known varieties 1918 I no known varieties 1919 #1A no dots, 9 leans left. bottom point of 9 above right edge of a denticle. Line through center of 9 cuts right edge of a dot. 1919 #1B as #1A but with dot below bottom scroll. Dot size and position varies. 1919 #2A no dots, 9 natural. Bottom point of 9 centered above a denticle. Line through center of 9 touches left edge of a dot. 1919 #2B as #2A but with dot below bottom scroll. 1919 #3A no dots, 9 leans slightly right. Bottom point of 9 over left edge of a denticle. Line through center of 9 goes just left of center of a dot. Difficult to distinguish from #2 by sight, the 9 is about 1.05mm from the 1 on this variety, while it is about 0.95mm from the 1 on variety 2. 1919 #3B as #3A but with dot below bottom scroll. 1919 #3C as #3A but with large dots above top scroll and below bottom scroll. A small die lump appears at the top of "Australia". The upper dot sits in a well, giving the appearance that it was added post strike. This is a popular, scarce and pricey variety. Don't be fooled by the variety listed under cracks and chips. 1919 #4 no dot only?, 9 leans hard to right. Bottom point of 9 centered between 2 denticles, but only 2 denticles between 1 and 9 unlike #1 which has 3 denticles. Line through center of 9 goes just right of center of a dot. SCARCE. 1919 #5 with dot only?, apparently date #2 over date #1. Double lower point noted on 9. 1919 #6 no dot only?, apparently date #3 over date #2 or vice-versa. 9 loop is distorted, faint double point on 9 also. Flat base lettering is normal for 1919. Curved base lettering is most frequently seen on with dot coins. The two dot variety only occurs with curved base lettering. 1919 Cracks and chips Variety 2B, crack through date, tiny rust pit above top scroll simulates the two dot coin. 1920 no dots. 1920 dot under bottom scroll, proofs. The dot is very small. 1920 dot over bottom scroll, the dot is very small. 1920 2 dots, very scarce and pricey. The dots are easy to see. Both coins seen have 2 die gouges above "commonWealth"; one has 2 dots while the other only has the dot above the top scroll, demonstrating that the dot above top scroll variety is probably on a filled die. 1920 Obv hub #1 very scarce, seen with dot below bottom scroll. Flat base lettering is normal for 1920. Curved base lettering is common and is seen on the no dot coins. 1920 cracks and chips Obv hub #2, no dot, fine series of cracks stretch from "australIA" *clockwise* to "AUStralia", nearly encircling reverse. 1921 Obv hub #2 1921 Obv hub #1, scarce 1921 Obv hub #2 DDO CCW "bRITT ... F.D." *1921 Obv hub #2 DDR all letters, date & denticals, modest rotation Double center points on M and W, twin left stands on A, double serif on 2. 1921 is only observed with flat base lettering. For the 1922 date varieties, I have created my own list. I have not succeeded in finding Clark's "9 upright close 22" as compared to "9 upright wider 22", although I have found more date varieties than he lists. I am assuming that his wide vs close 22 varieties correspond to something I have listed here. All of the date variations have been seen only with Obv hub #1. They are all distinguishable by the position and angle of the 9, although other digits vary in position as well. The angle of the 9 is judged by drawing a line through the center of the digit and noting if that line goes to the right, through, or left of coin center. The position is judged relative to the denticals and 1. Draw a line from the right most edge of the right serif of 1 through the center of the coin. This line should pass between dentils. Count the first dentil to the right as 1, the next over as 2, etc. Draw another line from the left most edge of the lower point of 9 through the center of the coin. I call this the "9 line". This line may touch the left edge, right edge or go between dentils. Determine the dentil number and which edge of the dentil. If between dentils, count only dentils to the left of this line 1922 Obv hub #1, date #1. 9 leans left, 9 line between 3rd and 4th dentils. The most common variety. 1922 Obv hub #1, date #2. 9 normal angle, 9 line through left edge of 3rd dentil. Scarce. 1922 Obv hub #1, date #3. 9 leans hard to right, 9 line through right edge of 3rd dentil. Scarce 1922 Obv hub #1, date #4. Apparently date #3 over date #2. Undertype shows only at lower point of 9 and base of second 2. Uncommon. 1922 Obv hub #1, date #5. 9 leans slightly to right, 9 line between 3rd and 4th dentils. Scarce. So called wide date. 1922 Obv hub #1, date #6. 9 normal angle, 9 line between 2nd and 3rd dentils. Very scarce 1922 Obv hub #1, date #7. Reported, no description available at this time. 1922 Obv hub #2, always with date #1? Uncommon 1922 normally has the curved base lettering. Some hub #2 coins are observed with flat base lettering. 1922 Obv hub #1, date #1 DDO. Small radial offset (tilted hub?) seen on "briTT: OMN: REX F.D." Split serifs on Ts and cross. 1923 no known varieties, proofs A single example of a 1923 penny has been seen with wide digits that have a thin profile. The 2 in the date is measureably wider, while the inner loop of the 9 is much wider than the usually seen variety. This is a provisional listing, because this one coin, although only worn to XF, is severely coroded and this corosion could be creating the effect of the differences that I am reporting. 1923 is observed with curved or flat base lettering 1924 Obv hub #1, proofs 1924 Obv hub #2, less common All 1924 pennies seen have slight doubling on the 9 and 2 in the date. 1924 to 1936 have been observed only with curved base lettering 1924 cracks and chips Center loop of 4 chipped out. 1925 Obv hub #1, proofs 1925 Obv hub #2 (doubtful, unconfirmed) Mint records indicate that hub #2 obverse dies were made and used in 1925. However, there were two mints in operation that year and one of those mints did not receive any 1925 dated reverse dies. It seems probable that all of the hub #2 dies made in 1925 were mated with 1924 reverses. 1926 no known varieties, proofs With only a fuzzy picture as a reference it would appear that 1926 proof pennies have a different position 6 than the business strikes. The bottom of the 6 is about even with the bottom of the 2, and the top of the 6 distinctly above the top of the 2. One of my business strike reference coins appears to show an undertype 6 in the apparent proof coin position (I need some better grade coins to be sure). See also 1926 and 1927 half pennies. 1927 Obv hub #1, proofs 1927 Obv hub #1 DDO #1 "bRITT:" and crown, small offset 1927 Obv hub #1 DDO #2 "geORGIVS ... REx" and crown. Extremely similar to DDO #1 but offset is slightly larger and affects more of the design 1927 Obv hub #1 DDR, extremely small offset in "2" only; possibly a hub defect 1927 Obv hub #2, very scarce 1928 no known varieties 1928 Cracks and chips Bottom and top loops of 8 open almost, very common & may be a legitimate date variety, or a damaged working hub. 1929 Obv hub #1, proofs 1929 Obv hub #2 1930 Obv hub #2, key date, very scarce and *very* pricey, proofs At $995,000, a 1930 Australia proof penny sold at public auction for the highest price of *any* copper alloy coin. Expect to pay more for this one coin than for the rest of the set, excluding proofs. 1930 Obv hub #2, repunched date? Reported by two sources. Not seen recently enough to make sure that this is not strike doubling. 1930 Obv hub #1 (very doubtful). The RAM has authenticated at least one, but what do they know? The US Secret Service authenticated an "omega" counterfeit high relief St. Gaudens too! The late breaking news (3/24/98) is that the numismatists at Noble numismatics Pty have one and claim that it is authentic. 1931 Hub combo 1-B, normal date, proofs 1931 Hub combo 1-A, Misaligned 1, a little scarce 1931 Hub combo 2-B, normal date, very scarce 1931 Hub combo 2-A, Misaligned 1, rare Possibly the rarest coin in the penny set. Almost never offered, but cheap in comparison to the 1930 penny since it is not as popular. Mint records indicate that one die pair was put into a press and the production counter read 0 when the die pair was changed. The counter increments for each 1000 coins produced. This hints that the production of this variety is likely less than 1000 coins. 1932 1932 Low 2 in date 1932 Low 3 in date 1933 normal date, proofs 1933/2 only upper portion of 2 shows. More common than you would guess from price lists. 1934 no known varieties (all show rev spread doubling), proofs 1935 no known varieties (all show 10:00 rev pivot doubling), proofs 1936 no known varieties (all show minor rev doubling), proofs 1938 no known varieties, proofs 1939, proofs 1939 DDR CW pivot about 4 oclock, "AUSTRAlia" 1939 DDR? CCW pivot about 9 oclock, "austraLIA" very slight 1940 no mm, no known varieties 1940 K.G, dot (and initials) often very weak 1941 no mm, no known varieties 1941 K.G, scarcer var 1941 K.G, DDO CW rotation. Modest doubling visible in all lettering included the designers initials. Reported by Paul Holland 2/98 1941 K.G cracks and chips 20 degree rotation. Light crack though "fD IND: IMP:" and another rim to rim touching "OMn". 1941 Y., proofs 1941 Y. cracks and chips Heavy crack rim down tail to last digit of date. 1941 Y. high dot + K.G. Y. is about even with top of Y. Scarcer than K.G, but not as highly valued. Looks like a die chip to me. Another dot is noted beneath the date on the one example seen. 1942 Y., no known varieties, proofs 1942 no Y., no known varieties 1942 .P Y. & I, proof restrike 1942 .P Y. no I, a true missing mm, very scarce 1943 no mm, no known varieties 1943 Y. , proofs 1943 Y. DDO "iMP GEORGIvs" CW pivot 1943 Y. cracks and chips Very light crack rim through "geoRgivs" to lips; heavy reverse crack "Penny" to star to rim and roo mouth, later fine crack rim to "y." to 4; heavy reverse crack rim to roo tail to 3 to rim near "pennY"; light rev crack rim to roo tail to 3 to rim at right of 3, heavy crack from there under "peNNY" to rim; light crack rim under KG to roo tail base, another rim through "peNny" to roo knee, heavy pair of cracks starting at common point on rim, with one up to 9, the other underneath "penNY."; 1943 .P Y. & I, rev hub E, the scarcer variety Reported with dies rotated 1943 .P Y. & I rev hub F, proof restrike 1943 .P Y. no I, only seen as weak mm, clogged die 1943 .P Y. & I cracks and chips neat dot in field SW of KG, another SE of "D.g.", and a group of dots in right obv field, with diagonal crack from tail through 43, apparent spread doubling on obv at 6:00 (yes this is all on one coin) 1944 no mm, no known varieties 1944 Y. , proofs 1944 Y. DDO small CW pivot about 3:00 "GEORGIVS D:G:" 1944 Y. DDR all lettering 1944 Y. RPM (Repunched mint mark). Two dots almost fully separated, heavier punching North-east of lighter punching. Heavy punching becomes abrasion doubled in later die states. Later die state comes with a curved crack from the second 4, across the crotch of "pennY", straight down to a denticle, and then up along the underside of the downstroke of "penNy". VERY SCARCE 1945 Y. middle stroke of 5 lower than crossbar of 4, proofs 1945 Y. middle stroke of 5 even with crossbar of 4 this may be a late die state of the above 1945 KG. large dot. Probably a deteriorated die. See also 1945Y. 1/2d 1945 no Y., unique pattern 1945 .P Y. & I pattern, extremely rare 1946 semi key date, no known varieties 1947 no mm no known varieties 1947 Y. no known varieties, proofs 1948 no mm no known varieties (all have rev spread doubling at PENNY) 1948 Y. no known varieties (all have rev spread doubling at PENNY), proofs 1949 (most have rev spread doubling at PENNY), proofs 1949 DDR #1, CCW rotation, more evident on the east side of the coin. Slight offset, but split serifs on 49 and "austraLia". Seen with crack from rim to bust truncation at 6:00. 1949 DDR #2, CW pivot about 4:00. Slight offset, but split serifs on "auSTralia", doubling noted on all of "AUSTRALIA" and "Penny". 1949 DDR #3 CCW pivot about 4:00. Moderate offset with boldly split serifs at tops of "auSTralia". 1950 no mm normal 1 in date measures 2.8mm as on later dates, proofs? 1950 no mm tall 1 measures 3.1mm. Reported by Paul Holland 12/18/98 1950m tend to have wild strike doubling on the reverse. 1950 Y. no known varieties, proofs 1951 no mm no known varieties 1951 PL no known varieties, proofs 1951 Y. no known varieties 1952 no mm no known varieties, proofs 1952 A. rev hub G, typical date with slight upturn in base of 2, proofs 1952 A. rev hub D, wedge base 2 with point at front 1952 A. rev hub D, 2 serif forms upward point, bottom flat. Base of 2 points about even with the base of the 5. The end of this serif is curved. 1952 A. as above, but 2 leans right, base of 2 points above inner loop of 5, comes with a pointed serif 2. Apparently very scarce. 1952 A. as above, but 2 leans left. This variety is reported in the texts but remains unconfirmed. Examples with strike doubling that simulates a slight leftward lean of the 2 have been seen. 1952 A. rev hub D, 2 serif forms upward and downward points This may be the same as the "square end upward pointing serif 2" reported by others. 1952 A. squarish, blocky serif on 2, die chip on upward point 2. This belongs under chips and cracks, but it is so frequently listed as a date variety in the literature that I have kept it separate. The documentation on all of these date varieties is crummy at best. Both Clark and Rennick give pictures, but the pictures are poor and not very useful to ID the coins. It is possible that the upward and downward pointing serif 2 variety is a damaged hub, since the downward point is mushy and gives the appearance that the coin is damaged. Only after seeing multiple identical coins, was I convinced that this was not damage to the coin. Of course, an accidental blow to a working hub would produce the same effect. All of the rev hub D coins are slightly scarce. *1952 A. DDO #1, all lettering CCW rot, rev hub G, bold separation. 1952 A. DDO #2, CW pivot "vI D:" very slight separation, rev hub G 1952 A. DDR #1 reverse hub G. Previously listed as "thick 2" date variety. Split serifs noted at bases of "pENNy" and at top of "pennY". Doubling also noted on top loop of 2, giving the thick digit appearance when the coin is worn. Correctly listed by Paul Holland 3/6/98. There are probably 3 or more dies that fit this description; some high grade specimens are needed to ID. 1953 no mm hub combo 6-D, proofs 1953 no mm hub combo 6-H, very scarce. No serif on top of 5. 1953 A. , proofs 1953 A. DDO, slight separation at "elizabETH II", CCW pivot 1955 no mm no known varieties, proofs Second 5 always low, leaning slightly right and with a defective downstroke. This defect looks like the downstroke was crudely hand engraved and has been seen on both proof and business strikes. ** This is the first year that proofs were offered to the public. ** in any real quantity. 1955 Y. Obv hub 8. All coins seen show doubling at "PENNY" and date 1955 Y. Obv hub 9, very scarce. 1955 Y. Obv hub 8, 55 close. 1955 Y. Obv hub 9, 55 close. PROOF ONLY. These proofs are much scarcer than their Melbourne counterpart. McDonald's Pocket Guide 5th edition uses this coin to illustrate Elizabeth II pennies. 1956 no known varieties, proofs 1956 Y. Obv hub 8, scarce 1956 Y. Obv hub 9, proofs 1956 Y. Obv hub 9, DDO, pivot CCW, very slight separation at "eTH II DEI GRATIA REgina" *1956 Y. Obv hub 9, TDR, wide rotation CW over weak hubbing. Tiny offset South on "AUSTRALIA" also. Wide rotation notable by extra serifs on most of the inner parts of the lettering, an extra "Kg" (almost fully separated), an extra point on the *, an extra 'roo ear, double outline on 'roo chest, an extra 'roo arm, and an extra 'roo ankle bone. 1956 Y. Obv hub 9, DDR, tiny offset south on "AUSTRALIA" 1957 Y. Rev hub I, thick date digits, 9.25mm wide date, proofs 0.6mm mint mark 0.8mm from "pennY". Lump on lower edge of horizontal on 7. 1957 Y. Rev hub I, "thin date digits", 9.25mm wide date only 7 is thinner and not by much. 0.7mm mint mark 1.0 mm from "pennY". Smooth lower edge of horizontal on 7. 1957 Y. date measures 9.5 mm thin 7, unconfirmed-probably same as above 1957 Y. Rev hub G, thin date digits 10mm wide date About 1 in 10 has the wide date, 1 in 30 has the narrow thin date. 1957 no mm, unconfirmed 1957 Y. DDO. Slight separation at "elizabeTH II", CCW pivot. Comes paired with reverse hub I, thick date. Reverse has an easily visible linear defect on the 'roo belly that looks like a "hit mark". 1958 no mm no known varieties, proofs 1958 Y. no known varieties, proofs 1959 no mm no known varieties, proofs 1959 Y. no known varieties, proofs **** Most earlier die state coins show an overdate, with a fragment **** of the left edge of 8 in the field to the left of the 9. **** This overdate is most likely due to incomplete effacing of **** the 8 before adding the 9 to the master tooling. **** Very few early die state coins seen to date do not show this **** overdate. 1960 Y. , proofs 1960 Y. DDR #1 CCW pivot about 12:00 "* PENNY", slight separation 1960 Y. DDR #2 CCW pivot about 6:00 "aUSTRAlia", slight separation 1961 Y. , proofs. Proofs have a spur on the middle left edge of "Elizabeth" 1961 Y. DDO CCW pivot about 9:00 "elizaBETH II", very slight separation, 1962 Y. thick, defective 2 1962 Y. thin, normal 2, scarcer var, proofs thin 2 over thick 2 may exist *1962 Y. DDO *proof only*. Large offset obvious in "ELIZABETH II". I have only seen two proofs, one of which did not show the doubling. *1962 Y. tripled die obverse, wide separation on entire obverse, but early hubbings fade near rim. Look for the doubled nose. 1962 Y. DDR #1, CW pivot about 6:00, "ausTRALIA", defective 2 1962 Y. DDR #2, CW pivot about 6:00 "AUSTRalia", perfect 2. With or without rim cud at "grATIa" 1962 Y. Rotated dies, nearly 180 degrees. Scarce. 1963 Y. , proofs 1963 Y. DDO tiny CCW pivot about 9:00 "elizABETH II" 1963 Y. offset clash #1. Obverse denticles visible across the 'roo ankle. Discovered by Don Tomsett. See also 1921 1/2d, 1954 1/2d, and 1964 1d. 1964 no mm no known varieties 1964 Y. all early die states show doubling at "96", proof-only one struck 1964 Y. DDO #1 tiny CCW pivot about 9:00 "elizabETH II", virtually identical to the 1963 listing above, possibly the same die 1964 Y. DDO #2 distended radially?, split serifs on some "I"s 1964 Y. fat 4. top of 4 is very wide. Always with distortion at designers initials. Probable strike doubling, but other classic symptoms of strike doubling are absent. *1964 Y. Offset clash progression. You figure this one out and tell me! First seen with faint obv cracks and a single offset clash of reverse denticulatin in the field behind the Queen just below her collar line. There appears to be a rotated normal clash visible as the 'roo hand superimposed over the front of the Queen's chin. This coin was not struck from rotated dies. Later the cracks grow bolder and two more clashes appear. One is an offset clash of the reverse denticulation in front of the Queen about even with the top front edge of her blouse. The second is a normal clash which appears as the loop of the 9 from the date partly superimposed over the first offset clash. Later still the left most crack breaks into a retained cud affecting the tops of "rEGINa". There is a noticeable step next to the E. This coin has a third and bold offset clash of the reverse denticulation appear above the first offset clash about even with the Queens neck. Discovered by Don Tomsett. 1964 Y. Two different retained cud varieties observed. Obverse cracks at "ETH II". 1964 Y. Brass yellow planchets and yellow-red streaked planchets observed While the quality of the metal in Australian bronze coins is highly variable (lamination defects are common), this is the only year for which bright yellow coins have been observed. The Yellow-red streaked coins demonstrate that this is a quality control problem. The streaked coins can be very attractive.