The 1934 proof half penny was issued along side the other 1934 denominations at the request of New Zealand dealer H. G. Williams (Verheyen, T, V, 2009) . A total of 50 pieces of each denomination were ordered (Verheyen, T, V, 2009) which is believed to be the entire mintage figure, most of which were sold to American collectors. The coin can be characterised by a moderately reflective mirror finish on the reverse and a semi-matte, semi-reflective finish on the obverse. The strike should be strong with well defined and even rim beading. Be careful of proof-like strikes which bear similar characteristics, having been struck from the same dies - these however, tend to exhibit a central strike weakness due to the lack of concavity of the proof dies paired with the low strike pressure of the working press. The proof strike does however exhibit some striking weakness on the beads, above the 4 in the date and the vertical pearls in George V's crown as in the illustrations below:
Weak vertical pearls
Weak reverse beading
The proofstrike also exhibits strong horizontaldie polishing striationsacross thereverseas is visible in the illustration below:
Die polishing striations on the reverse of a proof 1934 half penny
Note the horizontal lines left of the H in HALF and through the gaps between the letters of PENNY.
While tending to be cheaper than the 1934penny, the half penny is at least equally scarce and alongside the penny, much scarcer than the silver denominations especially if desired in higher grades.
References
- Verheyen, T, V (2009). The Australasian Coin and Banknote Magazine - Volume 11, Number 11. The Australasian Coin and Banknote Magazine - Volume 11, Number 11: pp 36-43.
