British West Africa 1 Penny 1942

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The British West Africa 1941 1 Penny coin is a copper-nickel colonial issue featuring King George VI, notable for its central hole and hexagram design. It circulated across several West African territories and reflects both imperial symbolism and practical anti-export measures.

Here’s a detailed summary of its features and historical context:

🪙 Coin Overview

• Country of Issue: British West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia)

• Year: 1941

• Denomination: 1 Penny (1/240 of a British West African Pound)

• Composition: Copper-nickel

• Weight: 9.45 g

• Diameter: 30.8 mm

• Shape: Round with a central hole

• Edge: Plain

• Mintage: 6,960,000 coins12

👑 Obverse Design

• Features an imperial crown above the central hole

• English inscription: “GEORGIVS VI REX ET IND: IMP:” (George VI, King and Emperor of India)

• Denomination: “ONE PENNY” in English and Arabic (واحد پَنّي)

• Scroll ornaments flank the crown1

✡️ Reverse Design

• Displays a hexagram (Star of David) surrounding the central hole

• Inscription: “BRITISH WEST AFRICA” around the top

• Date split by the star: · 1941 ·

🌍 Historical Significance

• The central hole was a deliberate design choice to prevent the coin from being used in Britain, ensuring it remained in colonial circulation1

• The coin was part of a broader monetary system tied to the British Pound, used across multiple colonies

• It remained in circulation until demonetization in 1968, even after countries gained independence and introduced their own currencies1

🧭 Legacy and Collectibility

• The coin is valued for its distinctive design and colonial history

• It’s considered scarce in higher grades and popular among collectors interested in imperial-era African coinage3