What Does a 1933 George V Penny Look Like?

The 1933 George V penny is a highly distinctive and sought-after coin, visually characterized by its classic British coin design featuring King George V on the obverse and the iconic figure of Britannia on the reverse. Its appearance is largely consistent with the pennies minted immediately before and in the decades following its production.

Key Features and Design Elements

Despite its extreme rarity, the aesthetic design of the 1933 penny is familiar, mirroring the standard British bronze penny of the era.

Obverse (Front)

The front side of the 1933 George V penny features the uncrowned effigy of King George V, facing left. This portrait, designed by Sir Bertram Mackennal, depicts the monarch with a dignified and resolute expression. Surrounding the King's bust is the Latin inscription:

• GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP:
  • This translates to "George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India."

Reverse (Back)

The reverse side of the coin showcases the traditional and enduring figure of Britannia. This allegorical personification of Great Britain is depicted:

• Seated facing right, representing strength and stability.
• Holding a trident in her left hand, symbolizing naval power.
• Holding a shield in her right hand, which is prominently decorated with the Union Flag motif.
• The denomination "ONE PENNY" is typically inscribed above Britannia, with the year "1933" clearly displayed below.

Physical Characteristics

Beyond the design, the physical attributes also define its appearance:

• Material: Bronze
• Diameter: Approximately 30.8 mm (about 1.2 inches)
• Weight: Approximately 9.45 grams

Rarity and Historical Context

While its appearance is standard, the 1933 George V penny is exceptionally rare. Only a handful of these coins were ever struck, primarily as proof or pattern pieces for ceremonial purposes, rather than for general circulation. This limited mintage significantly contributes to its mystique and value among collectors.

• Extremely Low Mintage: Only a very small number of 1933 pennies were produced.
• Known Examples: Only a few examples are known to exist, with one residing in the Royal Mint Museum and others held in private collections.

This scarcity makes the 1933 penny one of the most famous and coveted coins in British numismatics, despite its common design.

Summary Table: 1933 George V Penny Design

For a quick overview of the coin's features:

For more detailed information on British coinage designs, you can explore resources such as the Royal Mint Museum.