Commonwealth of Australia penny

The Commonwealth of Australia penny was a pre-decimal bronze coin of the Australian pound, circulating within the twelve-pence-to-a-shilling system. Constitutional authority to produce a distinct national coinage was established following the Federation of Australia in 1901, shifting issuance away from the individual former colonies to the federal government. In physical dimensions and nominal value, it was originally fixed at par with the British pre-decimal penny.

Although Australian silver coinage commenced in 1910 under Edward VII, the first Australian bronze pennies entered circulation in 1911. The denomination was minted regularly through to 1964, concluding with the adoption of decimalised currency on 14 February 1966, when the Australian pound was converted to the Australian dollar at the rate of two dollars to one pound. The obverse of the penny portrayed the reigning British monarch, specifically George V, George VI, or Elizabeth II. Issues struck under George VI and Elizabeth II displayed a kangaroo on the reverse. Striking was carried out across multiple facilities, including the Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth mints, as well as overseas branches. Specific distinguishing marks identify production origins: an 'I' beneath the bust of George VI indicates manufacture in India during 1942 and 1943, whilst 'PL' following 'PENNY' denotes London minting in 1951. Perth issues during the George VI era feature an added dot placed after 'PENNY', after 'AUSTRALIA', or between 'K' and 'G' above the kangaroo's tail, whereas Melbourne strikes bear no dot.

Check around the lettering or beneath the royal portrait for distinguishing mint identifiers such as an 'I', 'PL', or specific Perth dots.