CountryAustraliaSeriesGeorge VYear and Mintmark1919VarietySpecimenDenominationHalf PennyMintSydney MintMonarchGeorge VReverse DesignerW. H. J. BlakemoreObverse DesignerSir E. B. MacKennelWeight5.66gComposition97% Copper 2.5% Zinc 0.5% Tin Size25.5mmEdgePlain
The specimen 1919 half pennies were the first half pennies struck bearing the date 1919 at the Sydney mint. They feature an even surface, unlike the cartwheel reflective surface of the business strike. This should not be confused with a dulled business strike which would show increased unevenness at the microscopic level and will almost certainly be paired with other imperfections from circulation or mint handling. It is unknown how many specimens were produced at the Sydney mint in 1919 but a figure of about 5-7 would be consistent with other years that the Sydney mint produced specimens.
