The Australian 1923 halfpenny is one of the key coins in the Australian Pre-Decimal series. It has a mintage estimated to be as low at 15,000 and depicts the Bertram Mackennal sculpted portrait of King George V on the obverse and the Commonwealth design sculpted by W.H.J. Blakemore on the reverse. Thought to be minted in the Melbourne branch of the Royal Mint 1923 halfpennies were struck in bronze, and each coin measures 25.5mm in diameter and weighs 5.67 grams.
Sought after in any grade collectors should (as always) purchase the best grade coin they can afford, but like most key date coins, even damaged or cleaned coins are still fairly liquid. Due to the value of the coin they are very commonly counterfeited. If a collector does not know how to identify a genuine 1923 halfpenny then coins should be purchased from reputable coin dealers. Alternatively consider purchasing 1923 halfpennies that have been graded and encapsulated by reputable third party grading services like PCGS, NGC, or ANACS. When looking to purchase a 1923 half penny online auction sites like eBay should be avoided unless you’re purchasing from a reputable seller.
The left of the 3 in the date should start just to the left of a rim denticle.
The lettering on the reverse of a genuine 1923 halfpenny has flat bases. Typically altered date 1933 half pennies show fishtailing / curved base lettering.
