Halfpenny (British pre-decimal coin)
KM# 896
The British pre-decimal halfpenny (½d) coin, usually simply known as a halfpenny, was a unit of currency equalling one four-hundred-and-eightieth of a pound sterling, or half of a penny. It was originally minted in copper, but after 1860 was minted in bronze. It ceased to be legal tender in 1969. It featured two different designs on its obverse during its years in circulation. From 1672 until 1936 the image of Britannia appeared on the reverse, and from 1937 onwards the image of the Golden Hind appeared. Like all British coinage, it bore the portrait of the monarch on the obverse.
United Kingdom
Value 1⁄480 pound sterling
Mass (1860 - 1967) 5.67 g
Diameter (1860 - 1967) 25.48 mm
Edge Plain
Composition
(1672 - 1860) Copper
(1860 - 1967) Bronze
Years of minting 1672 - 1967
Obv. Design Profile of the monarch (Elizabeth II design shown)
Designer Mary Gillick
Design date 1953
Rev. Design Golden Hind (Britannia on earlier mintages)
Designer Thomas Humphrey Paget
Design date 1937
Mintages:
1954 ~ 19,375,000
1955 ~ 18,799,000
1956 ~ 21,799,000
1957 ~ 43,684,000
1958 ~ 62,318,000
1959 ~ 79,176,000
1960 ~ 41,340,000
1962 ~ 41,779,000
1963 ~ 45,036,000
1964 ~ 78,583,000
1965 ~ 98,083,000
1966 ~ 95,289,000
1967 ~ 146,491,000
1970 ~ 750,000 (souvenir sets only)
REF
Bronze Halfpence - Elizabeth II
Source: coins-of-the-uk.co.uk - Tony Clayton
The reverse design remained as for George VI, with the Golden Hind.
Variations continued through the reign of Elizabeth II. Three obverses and eight reverses variations are listed in Peck.
1: BRITT OMN. (1953 ex sets)
Poorly defined portrait. Cross points between border beads.
2: BRITT OMN. (1953 issue)
Better defined portrait. Cross points at a border bead.
3: No BRITT OMN. (1954-67)
Sharper portrait.
No halfpence were issued dated 1961.
The last regular issues were dated 1967, although proofs dated 1970 was made for the 'Last Lsd' Sets. The coin was in fact demonetized on 1st August 1969, so the 1970 coin was never legal tender.
Tony Clayton has a lot of information if your interested:
Read full article for A LOT of DATA
½ Penny - Elizabeth II 1st portrait; without "BRITT:OMN"
Source: en.numista.com
KM# 896
Features
Country United Kingdom
Years 1954-1970
Value 1/2 Penny (1/480 LSD)
Metal Bronze
Weight 5.70 g
Diameter 25.40 mm
Thickness 1.30 mm
Engravers Mary Gillick (obverse)
Thomas Humphrey Paget (reverse)
Shape Round
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized 08-01-1969
Edge Smooth
REF
GB 1954 Half Penny ( 1/2P )
