India, George V 1/12 Anna, 1928.

Of the four Monarchs who ruled over India in the 20th Century, one of the hardest to find in nice copper or bronze coins is the last one, King George VI. Don’t forget he only came to the throne in 1937 and India became Independent in 1948. During that time there was a World War and people had something else to do than collect coins. We have a nice group of King George VI 1/4 Annas on offer. These are the largest of his bronze coins issued. The coins on offer also have the first head on them and this design was only issued for three years, the coins of 1940 are on offer. They are not easy to find, and are in Uncirculated condition with original lustre. You have the crowned bust of the Monarch on one side and the denomination and date on the other side.

This bronze Halfpenny from the Federation of Nigeria is a one year type coin, the last coin of Nigeria with the legend Queen Elizabeth the Second. The coins are Brilliant Uncirculated but have mellowed just a bit over the past 59 years. They have a hole in them, so the locals could carry them on a string. These coins are much more difficult to find than the catalogue indicates, in fact we cannot remember the last time we had some. Priced at less than catalogue and a difficult coin to find.

The smallest coin issued by British West Africa under Kings George V and George VI is the 1/10th Penny. It is about the size of the old sixpence, struck in cupro-nickel and with a hole in the middle. The hole was so the locals could carry the coins on a string as they didn’t have pockets. Uncirculated condition and generally difficult to find.