1921 Australia One Penny George V Coin – Indian Obverse, VF

The 1921 Australia One Penny coin featuring King George V is an important and highly collectible piece of early Australian numismatic history. This issue is particularly notable for being struck with the Indian obverse die at both the Melbourne and Sydney Mints, making it one of the distinctive varieties in the pre-decimal Australian penny series.

Struck in bronze, the coin’s obverse displays the portrait of King George V designed by Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal—the Indian obverse is characterized by slightly finer details in the king’s facial features and sharper engraving lines compared to the London obverse. Around the portrait runs the legend: “GEORGIVS V D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP.” (George V, by the Grace of God, King of all Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India).

The reverse features the bold inscription “ONE PENNY” within a circular beaded border, surrounded by “COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA 1921.” The clean, symmetrical design reflects the nation’s growing identity under British rule and its emerging minting independence.

This 1921 Australia One Penny coin is preserved in VF (Very Fine) condition, displaying even wear across the surfaces while retaining clear details of the portrait, lettering, and reverse design. The warm brown patina typical of circulated bronze coins enhances its historical character.

Minted at both the Melbourne and Sydney Mints, this 1921 issue with the Indian obverse represents a transitional stage in Australian coinage before the introduction of distinct local dies. It holds significant interest for collectors of Australian pennies, George V series, and mint variety specialists.