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1953 Proof One Penny

CountryAustraliaSeriesElizabeth IIYear and Mintmark1953VarietyProofDenominationOne PennyMintage12
MintMelbourne MintMonarchElizabeth IIReverse DesignerGeorge Kruger GrayObverse DesignerMary GillickWeight9.46gComposition97% Copper
2.5% Zinc
0.5% Tin
Size30.8mmEdgePlain

The Kangaroo design continued into this type, while after the coronation of Elizabeth II in late 1952 the design changed to the bust of Elizabeth II facing to the right with the legend, ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA ('Elizabeth II, by the grace of god, queen'), designed by Mary Gillick. This legend was only used in 1953 and was then altered due to public outcry over the omission of FIDEI DEF ('defender of the faith'). Both dates are relatively difficult to find in top grades, though the good strikes of the 1953 Melbourne do permit higher grades. The 1953-A is often found very poorly struck up from impaired dies and is, therefore, very difficult to find in upper mint state grades. The Melbourne and Perth mints both struck pennies in 1953 with the 1953 Perth featuring a dot after the 'A' in AUSTRALIA.

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