Colonial Coin Appraisal

Australian 1912 One Penny Coin

This item is an Australian One Penny coin, dated 1912. It is circular in shape and appears to be made of a bronze or copper alloy, consistent with coinage of that era, exhibiting a rich, dark brown patina that suggests significant age and handling. The obverse side, visible in the image, clearly displays the denomination ONE PENNY centrally within an inner circle. Encircling this inner design, along the rim, are the words "COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA" at the top, and the date "1912" prominently at the bottom. The lettering and numerals are raised, indicating a struck minting process. The surface shows moderate wear, particularly on the raised elements of the text and the inner circle's rim, which has softened the sharpness of the details. There are no obvious signs of severe damage such as deep scratches, bent edges, or significant corrosion, although minor surface abrasions common with circulated coins are present. The quality of craftsmanship is consistent with official government coinage, with a well-defined strike, though the details have been somewhat smoothed by circulation. The coin's color is uniform, suggesting natural toning rather than artificial alteration. Given its 1912 date, it belongs to the early 20th-century period of Australian coinage.