Exploring the History of the British West Africa Coin 1947

British West African Coin ー 1947

The British West African Pound was the currency of British West Africa, a group of British colonies, protectorates, and mandate territories ー Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana (originally Gold Coast), and Gambia. The British West African Pound was equal to the (pre-decimal) Pound Sterling and was similarly subdivided into 20 shillings, each of 12 pence.

In 1947, the British West African colonies issued a new series of coins featuring King George VI. These coins included the shilling and the penny, both of which are sought after by collectors today.

Historical Context

The British West African Pound, which circulated from 1907 to 1968, was a crucial part of the economic and political fabric of British West Africa. This region, encompassing Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana (originally Gold Coast), and Gambia, was under British colonial rule for much of the 19th and 20th centuries. The British West African Pound, pegged to the pre-decimal Pound Sterling, facilitated trade and administration within the colonies, reflecting the significant influence of the British Empire in the region.

The coinage of the British West African Pound evolved over time, with various denominations introduced and redesigned to meet the changing needs of the colonies. The 1947 Shilling and Penny coins, featuring King George VI, were part of this evolving coinage system. These coins were minted during a period of significant political and social transformation in British West Africa, as the colonies were gradually moving towards self-governance and eventual independence.

The historical context of the 1947 British West African coins is therefore intertwined with the broader story of British colonialism in West Africa, the gradual transition to independence, and the evolution of the region's economic and monetary systems. These coins are not merely historical artifacts; they are tangible reminders of a complex period in the history of West Africa.

The British West African Pound

The British West African Pound, introduced in 1907, served as the official currency for the British colonies of Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana (then known as the Gold Coast), and Gambia. This currency was directly linked to the pre-decimal Pound Sterling, ensuring its stability and facilitating trade with the United Kingdom. The British West African Pound was subdivided into 20 shillings, each consisting of 12 pence.

The Pound's adoption was a significant step in standardizing the financial system of British West Africa. Prior to its introduction, various currencies, including local currencies and British coinage, were in circulation, creating confusion and inefficiency. The British West African Pound provided a common monetary unit, facilitating transactions within the colonies and with the wider British Empire.

The Pound's circulation continued until the 1960s, as each colony gained independence and introduced its own national currency; The British West African Pound, however, played a pivotal role in the economic development of these colonies, fostering trade and contributing to the growth of their economies.

Coin Specifications

The 1947 British West African coins, featuring King George VI, were crafted with specific materials and designs to ensure their durability and recognition. The Shilling and the Penny, the two denominations discussed here, were minted with varying compositions and sizes, reflecting their distinct values.

The 1947 Shilling, a significant denomination, was struck from nickel-brass. This alloy, a combination of nickel and brass, provided a robust and resilient material for the coin. The Shilling's diameter measured 23.6mm, while its weight was 5.63 grams. The coin's design included a bust of King George VI on the obverse, facing left, and the denomination "ONE SHILLING" on the reverse.

In contrast, the 1947 Penny, a smaller denomination, was minted from copper-nickel. This alloy, a blend of copper and nickel, offered a distinct appearance and resistance to corrosion. The Penny measured 30.5mm in diameter and weighed 9.65 grams. Its design featured an imperial crown above a central circular hole, with the denomination "ONE PENNY" inscribed around the hole in English and "ONE PENNY" in Arabic beneath.

These specifications, including the materials, sizes, and designs, distinguished the 1947 Shilling and Penny from other coins in circulation during that period. They also reflected the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that characterized the British coinage system.

The 1947 Shilling

The 1947 Shilling, a significant denomination in the British West African Pound, was a crucial part of the region's monetary system. This coin, featuring King George VI, was minted in two distinct varieties⁚ a standard issue and a proof version. The standard Shilling, produced in large quantities, circulated widely throughout British West Africa, while the proof Shilling, a collector's item, was minted in limited numbers with a highly polished finish.

The 1947 Shilling, both in standard and proof versions, was crafted from nickel-brass, a robust and corrosion-resistant alloy. This material ensured the coin's durability, enabling it to withstand the rigors of daily use. The Shilling's diameter measured 23.6mm, and it weighed 5.63 grams. Its design, consistent with other British West African coins of the period, featured a bust of King George VI on the obverse, facing left. The reverse displayed the denomination "ONE SHILLING" encircled by a wreath.

The 1947 Shilling, a testament to British craftsmanship and a tangible reminder of the colonial era, remains a sought-after collectible item among numismatists and historians. Its significance lies not only in its monetary value but also in its historical context, representing a pivotal period in the development of British West Africa.

The 1947 Penny

The 1947 Penny, the smallest denomination in the British West African Pound, was a coin that circulated widely throughout the colonies. This coin, featuring King George VI, was struck from copper-nickel, a durable alloy that offered resistance to corrosion. The Penny's diameter measured 30.5mm, and it weighed 9.65 grams. Its design was unique, featuring an imperial crown above a central circular hole. The denomination "ONE PENNY" was inscribed around the hole in English, and "ONE PENNY" was also written in Arabic beneath the crown.

The 1947 Penny was minted in two distinct varieties, each marked with a mintmark indicating its origin. The "KN" mintmark, signifying the Kings Norton Metal Company, Ltd., denoted coins produced in the United Kingdom. The "H" mintmark, denoting the Heaton Mint, indicated coins produced in Birmingham, England. These mintmarks, while subtle, are crucial for collectors seeking to distinguish different versions of the 1947 Penny.

The 1947 Penny, though a small denomination, holds historical significance, representing a period of significant change in British West Africa. Its design, featuring both English and Arabic inscriptions, reflects the cultural diversity of the region. Today, this coin, available in varying conditions and mintmarks, is a popular item among numismatists and history enthusiasts.

Collecting and Value

The 1947 British West African coins, particularly the Shilling and the Penny, have become popular items among collectors due to their historical significance and relatively low availability in pristine condition. The value of these coins, like any collectible, depends on various factors, including their condition, rarity, and demand in the market.

Coins in uncirculated (UNC) condition, meaning they have never been used in circulation and show no signs of wear, are highly sought after by collectors and command higher prices. Coins in circulated condition, exhibiting signs of wear from use, are typically valued less. The presence of mintmarks, such as "KN" or "H," can also influence value, with coins bearing rarer mintmarks generally fetching higher prices.

The 1947 Shilling, particularly in proof condition, is considered a valuable collectible. Proof coins, minted with a highly polished finish, are often highly sought after. The 1947 Penny, especially those with the rarer "H" mintmark and in UNC condition, can also command significant value. However, it's important to note that coin values can fluctuate based on market trends and demand.

When collecting these coins, it's essential to consult reputable price guides and online resources to determine their current market value. It's also advisable to seek advice from experienced numismatists to ensure authenticity and make informed purchasing decisions.

Notable Features

The 1947 British West African coins, particularly the Shilling and the Penny, possess several notable features that contribute to their historical significance and collector appeal. These features, from their design elements to their inscription details, provide insights into the cultural and political context of the time.

The most prominent feature of these coins is the portrait of King George VI on the obverse. This portrait, a common element on British coinage during his reign, reflects the enduring influence of the British monarchy in the colonies. The design, depicting the King's profile facing left, is a testament to the artistic conventions of the period and the meticulous craftsmanship involved in coin production.

Another notable feature is the inscription on the reverse of the coins. The Shilling bears the inscription "ONE SHILLING" encircled by a wreath, symbolizing the coin's value and the interconnectedness of the colonies. The Penny, on the other hand, features the denomination "ONE PENNY" inscribed around a central circular hole. The inscription is also written in Arabic beneath the crown, acknowledging the presence of Arabic-speaking communities in British West Africa.

The presence of mintmarks, such as "KN" or "H," further enhances the distinctiveness of these coins. These markings, indicating the origin of the coins, provide valuable information for collectors seeking to identify different versions and determine their rarity.

Legacy

The 1947 British West African coins, particularly the Shilling and the Penny, represent a tangible link to a significant period in the history of West Africa. These coins, minted during the waning years of British colonial rule, serve as reminders of a time when the region was deeply intertwined with the British Empire. Their design, featuring King George VI and inscriptions in both English and Arabic, reflects the cultural and political complexities of the era.

The legacy of these coins extends beyond their monetary value. They serve as valuable historical artifacts, providing insights into the economic and social landscape of British West Africa. The coins' design and inscriptions reflect the British influence in the region, while the use of Arabic script acknowledges the presence of diverse communities.

Today, these coins are sought after by collectors and historians alike. They offer a glimpse into a bygone era, a time of transition and change, as the colonies of British West Africa were moving towards independence. The 1947 Shilling and Penny, though small in size, hold a significant place in the history of West Africa, serving as reminders of a complex and dynamic period in the region's development.

Tags: Africa,

Similar posts: