King George V Penny Appraisal

Australian 1912 One Penny Coin

The item is a circular metal coin, appearing to be made of a copper or bronze alloy, consistent with the typical composition of historical pennies. Its color is a rich, dark brown with visible areas of lighter patination and some greenish discoloration, suggesting natural aging and exposure to elements over time. The obverse side (as mostly seen in the image) features a central inscription of "ONE PENNY" in capitalized block letters, enclosed within a circular border. Surrounding this inner circle, along the outer rim of the coin, are the words "COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA" at the top, and the date "1912" clearly visible at the bottom. The lettering on the coin shows wear consistent with circulation, with some characters less sharp than others, particularly on the outer text. There are no obvious signs of major damage like deep scratches or bends, but the surface exhibits a general softness of detail, indicating moderate to heavy wear. The overall craftsmanship appears to be standard for sovereign coinage of the early 20th century, with clear, legible inscriptions despite the wear. No distinct maker's marks or mint marks are discernible from the provided image. The coin's estimated age is precisely 1912 based on the inscribed date, placing it within the early 20th-century period of Australian coinage.