The 1933 George V penny is a coin that holds a special place in the history of the United Kingdom. With only six genuine examples known to exist, it is considered one of the rarest coins in UK history. If you happen to have one of these pennies in your possession, you could be holding a small fortune in your hands.
The story of the 1933 George V penny begins with the reign of King George V, who ruled the United Kingdom from 1910 until his death in 1936. During his reign, the Royal Mint produced millions of pennies, as it was the most commonly used coin in circulation. However, in 1933, the production of pennies was halted due to the Great Depression, and only a small number of coins were minted that year. This makes the 1933 George V penny a rare find, as most of the coins from that year were melted down and used for other purposes.
But what makes this particular penny even more valuable is the fact that it was never meant to be released into circulation. In 1933, the Royal Mint was in the process of transitioning from the old design of the penny to a new one, and as a result, only a handful of 1933 pennies were struck with the old design. These coins were meant to be kept as specimens and were not intended for public use. However, due to a mistake, a small number of these pennies were released into circulation, making them extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Out of the six known genuine 1933 George V pennies, four are in the possession of private collectors, while the other two are in museums. This makes it a highly coveted coin among numismatists (coin collectors) and investors alike. In fact, in 2016, one of these pennies was sold at an auction for a staggering £72,000, making it one of the most expensive pennies ever sold.
So, how can you tell if you have a genuine 1933 George V penny? The first thing to look for is the date. The year 1933 should be clearly visible on the coin. Next, check the design. The obverse (front) of the coin should have the portrait of King George V, while the reverse (back) should have the image of Britannia, the female personification of Britain. If your coin matches these descriptions, then you may have a valuable piece of history in your hands.
But before you start planning your retirement with the potential fortune from your 1933 George V penny, it is important to note that there are many counterfeit versions of this coin in circulation. These fakes are often made by altering the date on a 1933 penny from a different country, such as Australia or Canada. Therefore, it is crucial to have your coin authenticated by a reputable numismatist or a professional grading service before attempting to sell it.
If you do happen to have a genuine 1933 George V penny, you may be wondering what to do with it. Some people choose to keep it as a prized possession, while others may decide to sell it to a collector or an auction house. Whichever path you choose, it is important to do your research and seek professional advice to ensure that you get the best value for your coin.
In conclusion, the 1933 George V penny is a rare and valuable coin that holds a special place in the history of the United Kingdom. With only six genuine examples known to exist, it is a highly sought after item among collectors and investors. So, if you happen to come across one of these pennies, consider yourself lucky and take the necessary steps to ensure its authenticity. Who knows, you may just be holding a small fortune in your hands.
