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British West Africa 1 Penny 1942
Discover the charm of the British West Africa 1 Penny 1942 - full of history and stories to tell from the many hands, pockets and purses it's been in.
This unique coin, rich with the essence of times gone by, makes the perfect gift or a keepsake of fond memories from faraway shores. Perhaps the year holds special meaning for someone dear; enhance its significance by having this beautiful historical coin made into a stunning coin ring from Hoard of the Rings. Embrace a piece of history, transformed into wearable art, meticulously crafted to be cherished forever.

British West Africa 1 Penny 1942

£35.00Price
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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

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