Penny (Australian coin)

The Australian penny was a unit of currency equaling one-twelfth of an Australian shilling, and one two-hundred-and-fortieth of an Australian pound. Introduced in 1911 after Australia adopted its own coinage system, it was equivalent to the British penny.

The coin featured a portrait of the reigning monarch on the obverse. Initially, this was Edward VII (1911), followed by George V (1911-1936), George VI (1938-1952), and Elizabeth II (1953-1964). The reverse of the coin featured a design of a kangaroo leaping to the left, designed by William Hemsley.

The Australian penny was made of bronze and had a diameter of 30.8 mm. Mintage occurred at the Royal Mint branches in London, Melbourne, and Perth.

The value of the penny declined over time due to inflation. Decimalisation occurred in Australia on 14 February 1966, and the Australian penny was withdrawn from circulation. The closest equivalent in the new decimal currency was the one cent coin, but it was worth 1.2 pence. Pennies ceased to be legal tender after 1 February 1966. While no longer in use, Australian pennies are still collected as historical currency.