Introduction: A Transitional Coin in Tumultuous Times
The 1919 George V penny is a coin rich in both history and collector intrigue. Issued in the aftermath of World War I, this coin reflects a Britain in transition—economically, politically, and numismatically. Amid the nation’s shift from war production to peacetime industry, the Royal Mint resumed full-scale coinage, and the 1919 penny was struck in enormous quantities. However, not all pennies were created equal. Variations in composition, minting quality, and unexpected errors have made the 1919 penny a captivating subject for both beginner and advanced collectors.
Did You Know? The 1919 penny was one of the last British coins struck in full bronze before a cost-saving shift toward lower-quality alloys in later years.
Beyond being a common date in circulated condition, 1919 pennies include some rare varieties—most notably the “KN” mintmark issue from the King’s Norton Metal Co., and subtle error strikes that significantly elevate value.
Quick Identification: Features and Value Snapshot
- Denomination: One Penny
- Year: 1919
- Obverse: King George V facing left
- Reverse: Britannia seated with trident and shield
- Mintmarks: None (London), “H” (Heaton), or “KN” (King’s Norton)
- Designer: Bertram Mackennal (obverse), Leonard Charles Wyon (reverse)
Here is an updated table of approximate market values for standard 1919 penny varieties:
| Grade | London Mint | “H” Mintmark | “KN” Mintmark |
|---|---|---|---|
| VG-8 | £1–2 | £3–5 | £5–10 |
| F-12 | £2–3 | £5–8 | £10–20 |
| VF-20 | £4–6 | £10–15 | £20–35 |
| EF-40 | £10–20 | £30–50 | £60–100 |
| MS-60 | £30–45 | £80–100 | £150–250 |
| MS-63+ | £70–100 | £200–350 | £500–800+ |
Coins with rare errors or brilliant original luster can greatly exceed these values at auction.
Exact Specifications
- Diameter: 30.8 mm
- Weight: 9.45 g (nominal), slight variations allowed due to tolerance
- Composition: 95.5% copper, 3% tin, 1.5% zinc (bronze)
- Edge: Plain
- Strike Type: Business strike
- Minting Method: High-speed steam press (London, Heaton, and King’s Norton)
Mintage Figures & Mint History
The 1919 penny was struck at three different facilities:
| Mint Location | Mintmark | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Mint London | — | 109,000,000+ |
| Heaton Mint | H | 4,683,000 |
| King’s Norton | KN | 3,600,000 |
Production was contracted out due to the Royal Mint’s high postwar workload. The result? Three distinct varieties, each with its own rarity and value.
The “KN” penny was struck at the King’s Norton Metal Company in Birmingham, which only ever minted British pennies in 1918 and 1919.
Notable Varieties and Errors
The 1919 penny offers a few exciting varieties and errors that can command significant premiums:
1. “KN” Mintmark Variety
Located at the bottom of the reverse, to the left and right of the date. This is the rarest of the 1919 issues, especially in high grade. “KN” examples with full red surfaces or high-luster bronze can fetch up to £800 or more in MS-64 or higher.
2. Die Fill & Weak Strike Errors
During high-volume production, dies degraded quickly. Some 1919 pennies show weak details, especially around the trident and king’s facial features. While often confused with wear, sharp-eyed collectors can spot weakly struck Mint State coins and obtain premiums for these oddities.
3. Off-Center Strikes
Partial misalignments are known, though uncommon. Off-center strikes of more than 10% that retain full date and partial devices are highly desirable and can range from £100–£500 depending on eye appeal.
4. Clipped Planchet Errors
Coins with crescent-shaped clips—caused by planchet cutting misfeeds—occur occasionally among 1919 issues. Genuine clips display metal flow toward the edge. These errors sell for £75–200+.
Grading Guide: What to Look For
Understanding grade is key to unlocking the 1919 penny’s value. Here’s what distinguishes the major conditions:
- VG-8: Britannia and King are visible but heavily worn. Legends partially smooth.
- F-12: Key features clear. All letters readable but flat. Minimal detail on hair and trident.
- VF-20: Moderate wear. King’s moustache and Britannia’s shield lines are evident.
- EF-40: Light wear on high points. Luster may remain in protected areas.
- MS-60+: Full detail with no wear. May have bag marks or toning.
- MS-63 and Higher: Brilliant or red-brown color, minimal contact marks, full strike.
Did You Know? Natural red luster pennies from 1919 are rare and can triple a coin’s value at higher grades.
Market Performance & Auction Trends
The market for 1919 pennies has steadily climbed, particularly for “KN” mintmarks and error coins. In 2023, a full red MS-64 KN penny sold for nearly £1,000 at a London numismatic auction. Even EF examples with the KN mark can exceed £100 depending on surfaces.
Heaton mintmark (“H”) coins are more plentiful but still collectible, especially in MS-62+ grades. Standard London mint coins are affordable in circulated condition but climb in value quickly when uncirculated and lustrous.
Online platforms such as eBay and UK-based auctions see consistent demand for clean VF to EF examples for type sets, while advanced collectors pursue pristine or error specimens.
Counterfeit Watch and Preservation
Given the rising values of “H” and “KN” varieties, counterfeit mintmarks are a known issue. Here are red flags:
- Re-tooled Mintmarks: Some fakes involve altered reverse dies or hand-stamped “KN” letters. Under magnification, authentic mintmarks are crisp and aligned, while fakes appear shaky or sunken.
- Plated Replicas: Magnetic fakes plated in copper often circulate as novelty coins. Genuine bronze pennies are non-magnetic.
- Artificial Toning: Unnaturally bright reds or rainbow tones may signal post-mint chemical exposure.
For storage, use acid-free 2×2 holders or Mylar flips. Avoid PVC-containing plastics, which react with bronze over time, leading to corrosion. Keep your pennies in a low-humidity, stable environment (ideally 45-50% RH and around 20°C).
Collector Tips: How to Find a Quality 1919 Penny
- Dealer Networks: Reputable UK dealers like DNW or London Coin Company often stock graded examples of “KN” or “H” pennies.
- Online Auctions: Set alerts for “1919 KN penny,” “off-center George V,” and “bronze clipped planchet.”
- Roll Hunting: Old estate collections and bulk lots occasionally yield overlooked mid-grade examples.
- Forums & Shows: Coin fairs in Birmingham and Manchester frequently attract George V-era collectors who may trade or part with duplicates.
Some 1919 pennies found in India or Australia were part of imperial shipments during colonial administration, making global sources for this coin surprisingly diverse.
FAQs: 1919 George V Penny
Q: Is the 1919 penny rare?
Not in circulated condition—but “KN” and “H” mintmarks, high grades, and error coins are considerably scarcer.
Q: How can I tell if I have a mint error?
Look for off-center strikes, clipped edges, doubled letters, or weak areas inconsistent with wear.
Q: Should I clean my 1919 penny?
No—cleaning reduces value dramatically. Leave natural toning and consult a dealer before attempting any conservation.
Q: Is the KN version more valuable than the H?
Yes. “KN” pennies are scarcer and command higher premiums, especially in EF and Mint State.
Q: What’s the best way to store my collection?
Use archival-quality holders, store in a dry environment, and handle coins with cotton gloves or by the edges only.
Conclusion
The 1919 George V penny is more than just a century-old coin—it’s a historical artifact from a world reshaping after war, a numismatic intersection of tradition and industrial experimentation. Whether you’re hunting for the elusive “KN” mintmark, scouring for errors, or upgrading to a high-grade specimen, this coin offers something at every level. With strong market demand and increasing attention on error varieties, the 1919 penny continues to prove its place in British and global coin collecting circles.
Let your search begin—because a little bronze coin might just hold a treasure.