Collecting predecimal British pennies offers a fascinating glimpse into history, with each coin telling a unique story through its minting details and quirks. From the earliest Victorian issues in 1839 to the last predecimal penny struck in 1967, these coins come alive with varieties, errors, and rare mint marks that drive collectors’ interest. This guide covers the most sought-after and intriguing varieties, including low-mintage years, famous errors like the 1902 "Low Tide" penny, and special mint issues. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a beginner, these rare pennies make a captivating addition to any collection!
Victorian Pennies (1839–1901)
- 1839: The first Victorian penny with limited production; very rare, especially in higher grades.
- 1860: Transition Year between large copper and smaller bronze pennies. Both types exist and are highly collectible.
- 1861–1862 Overdates: Look for 1861/1 or 1862/1 overdates, where the date was re-punched, making these pennies rare.
- 1863: Low mintage; highly sought after, especially in high grade.
- 1869: Another key date with a low mintage; rare in any condition, but particularly valuable in Very Fine or better.
- 1874 and 1875 H: Produced at the Heaton Mint in Birmingham, denoted by an “H” mint mark. Look for well-preserved examples, as they are rare.
- 1882–1883 Mule Error: Known as a “mule,” these pennies were struck with a farthing reverse die by mistake—extremely rare and valuable.
- 1885 and 1886: Low mintage years, particularly difficult to find in grades above Fine.
Edward VII Pennies (1902–1910)
- 1902 "Low Tide" Penny: This variety shows Britannia with the sea line lower than usual (below her knees), due to a slight die variation. It's one of the most famous Edward VII varieties and is highly collectible.
- 1903 "Open 3" Penny: An unusual variety where the "3" in the date is distinctly open, creating a different look from other pennies of this year. This is a highly sought-after variety.
- 1905: Known as the rarest Edward VII penny, particularly hard to find in higher grades due to low mintage.
- 1908 H: Produced at the Heaton Mint; scarce in higher grades, making it a sought-after coin.
- 1902 High Tide Left, Low Tide Right
George V Pennies (1911–1936)
- 1918 and 1919 KN & H Varieties: Marked with KN (Kings Norton Mint) or H (Heaton Mint) near the date on the reverse. Both mint mark varieties are collectible, with higher-grade examples being more valuable.
- 1926 Modified Effigy: Features a subtle change in the obverse portrait design; rarer than earlier issues.
- 1932: Another low-mintage year; highly desirable, particularly in higher grades.
- 1933: The rarest and most famous British penny; only about seven examples were struck for ceremonial purposes. Authentic examples are virtually priceless and are usually in museum collections.
George VI Pennies (1937–1952)
- 1937 Proof Penny: Issued in proof format for collectors; these are highly valued, especially in excellent condition.
- 1940 and 1945: Look for pennies with subtle die errors, including doubled dates or minting irregularities.
- 1950 and 1951: Produced in limited numbers for use in British overseas territories, making them rare and valuable.
- 1953 Coronation Issue: A unique issue for Elizabeth II's coronation but with George VI’s effigy. Proof versions are especially collectible.
Elizabeth II Pennies (1953–1967)
- 1954–1967 Standard Issues: While generally common, look for die varieties or doubled die effects on these coins, which add interest and rarity.
- 1959–1967 Die Doubling: Some pennies from these years exhibit a "doubled die" effect, which can appear on the obverse lettering, making these varieties more collectible.
- 1967 Last Predecimal Penny: The final year of predecimal pennies, widely available but still collectible as a “last-of” issue.
- Elizabeth II Pre-Decimal Obverse
Extra Notable Penny Varieties
1927 Proof Penny: Special proof issue with distinctive sharpness and detail; valuable in uncirculated condition.
1946: Another low-mintage year, especially rare in top grades due to wartime and post-war production limitations.
Tips for Identifying Varieties and Errors
Use Magnification: A loupe (10x magnification) is useful to inspect fine details, especially on dates, edges, and obverse details.
Examine Weight and Size: Pre-1860 copper pennies are larger than post-1860 bronze pennies. Any odd size or weight difference in post-1860 pennies could indicate an error or unusual variety.
Look for Die Anomalies: Overdates, doubled dies, or misaligned strikes can add rarity and value.
Check for Mint Marks: Look for small “H” or “KN” mint marks on certain George V pennies; these can usually be found near the date on the reverse.
Resources
Books: The Standard Guide to Grading British Coins and Coin Yearbook for in-depth coverage of British coins and grading standards.
Online Databases: Coins of the UK or The British Numismatic Society offer images and detailed descriptions of penny varieties.
Grading Services: PCGS and NGC provide professional coin grading and authentication services, which can increase value, especially for rare varieties.
This expanded cheatsheet should give you a broader view of rare and collectible predecimal pennies and help identify valuable varieties!
-CirculatedCoinCo