Rare Australian Coins – A Brief History of the Halfpenny
Australian bronze (copper) coins first appeared in 1911. These earliest coins were minted in London, Birmingham and Calcutta. Australian production of halfpenny coins began in 1919 in the Sydney and soon after, the Melbourne mints. From 1942 the Perth mint became the major producer of halfpennies although in some years coins were also produced in Melbourne, Bombay or London. The last halfpenny coins were struck in 1964.
One of the more valuable examples of the halfpenny is the 1923 coin. Most of the 1923 coins were struck with the 1922 date. Only around 1500 of the actual 1923 variety were produced, with the number still in existence today being much smaller.
Some collectors like to specialise in error varieties. A notable example is the 1916 halfpenny “mule”. This coin was produced in the Calcutta mint using the wrong obverse die. The die used is that of the Indian quarter anna coin. It’s believed that around 250 of these coins were struck. Only 5-7 have been found and identified.
Some Example Values of Halfpenny Coins
The following prices are for some of the most sought after halfpenny coins. Coins minted in other years are also of value, those listed below are simply the “cream of the crop”. These prices are only a guide to possible marketplace values. There will be fluctuations in the actual marketplace. Prices will also vary depending on variations and condition of the coin. All values are listed in Australian dollars. For more up-to-date information on coin values, please visit the Australian Rare Coin Ready Reckoner.
| Year | Average Condition | Uncirculated Condition |
| 1912 | 1.50 | 325 |
| 1913 | 2 | 550 |
| 1914 | 3 | 700 |
| 1915 | 45 | 6000 |
| 1918 | 6 | 3000 |
| 1920 | 1 | 400 |
| 1923 | 1800 | 60000 |
| 1924 | 4 | 1300 |
| 1925 | 2 | 800 |
| 1926 | 1 | 450 |
| 1928 | 2 | 750 |
| 1930 | 5 | 950 |
| 1931 | 3 | 950 |
| 1939 | 15 | 1100 |
| 1944 | 5 | 400 |
[...] appeared in 1911. These earliest coins were minted in London, Birmingham and Calcutta. Australiahttp://steven-cousley.com/2008/04/18/australian-rare-coins-values-and-history-the-halfpenny/Next wave of billionaires will come from the East Daily Telegraph’A whole load of stuff could come [...]
[...] Australian bronze (copper) coins first appeared in 1911. These earliest coins were minted in London, Birmingham and Calcutta. Australian production of halfpenny coins began in 1919 in the Sydney and soon after, the Melbourne mints. From 1942 the Perth mint became the major producer of halfpennies although in some years coins were also produced in Melbourne, Bombay or London. The last halfpenny coins were struck in 1964. [...]