Obverse

A bare head of George VI facing left; below head in small lettering the artist's initials HP.

GEORGIUS VI DEI GRATIA BRITANNIARUM OMNIUM REX FIDEI DEFENSOR INDIAE IMPERATOR means George VI, by the Grace of God, of all the Britains King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India.

George VI (1895–1952) was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death. He was the last Emperor of India and the first Head of the Commonwealth.

As the second son of King George V, he was not expected to inherit the throne and spent his early life in the shadow of his elder brother, Edward. George's elder brother ascended the throne as Edward VIII upon the death of their father in 1936. However, later that year Edward revealed his desire to marry divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson. British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin advised Edward that for political and religious reasons he could not marry a divorced woman and remain king. Edward abdicated in order to marry, and George ascended the throne as the third monarch of the House of Windsor.

Engraver: Thomas Humphrey Paget

GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP.
HP

Reverse

Denomination within three circles (middle circle beaded). Lettering around outside, date below within dots.

Engraver: William Henry James Blakemore

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
ONE
HALF
PENNY
· 1938 ·

Edge

1/2 Penny

KM# 35 Schön# 21
Characteristics
Material Bronze
Weight 5.67 g
Diameter 25.5 mm
Thickness 1.6 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Melbourne Mint

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