Australia Penny 1938 to Date

Like all British coins, the reigning monarch appears on the obverse (the 'heads' side). King George VI appears in our picture, but your coin might be different. Queen Elizabeth appears after 1952.

Except for the penny dated 1946, all Australian pennies in this series are worth face value or somewhat more when old and in excellent condition. Here are some catalog values for all coins except as noted below:

PENNY 1938 TO 1953 (EXCEPT AS NOTED BELOW)
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: less than $1
well preserved: $5
fully uncirculated: $15

PENNY 1954 TO DATE
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: less than $1
well preserved: less than $1
fully uncirculated: $4

The circulated 1942 specimen in our example might sell for $3 or $10 US dollars because it is in nice shape and has acquired some attractive blue toning. Some collectors (like me!) really enjoy toned coins and are willing to pay a little more to get them.

Now if you had a 1946 Australian penny, you have the *king* of the series. These coins catalog for $40 even in worn condition, and climb above $200 in well preserved condition. Here is a lists of the 'good dates' that are worth premium values, but only in well preserved or fully uncirculated condtion.

1940: $20 in well preserved condition
1941: $15 well preserved
1946: $275 well preserved

If you have a well preserved or fully uncirculated coin dated before 1953, get a coin catalog or take it to a knowledgeable collector or professional coin dealer. There are several subtle varieties of these coins, and some can be valuable. For instance, a 1943 'without I' variety catalogs at $25 in well preserved condition. Such varieties are beyond the scope of CoinQuest, but it may be worth your while to thoroughly check out your coin.
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