In 1948 the Melbourne mint struck 4.6 million half pennies in addition to the Perth mintage. The issue is relatively scarce though collectors should have no problem finding the issue in low grade though in mint state the issue is scarce but when it does turn up it is almost always in MS64 due to the problem-free strikes characteristic of the Melbourne mint. In addition, the coin is often found with considerable original mint brilliance much like its larger penny counterpart. The year can be differentiated from the Perth mint type by the absence of a dot mintmark after the Y in penny.
High grade date set collectors should aim for this date in at least MS64RB, going up to MS65 or an MS64RD grade whenever possible. The issue makes an excellent choice for type set collectors too due to its availability in mint state especially among collectors who find mint brilliance important.