Penny

The Kangaroo design continued into this type, while after the coronation of Elizabeth II in late 1952, the design changed to the bust of Elizabeth II facing to the right with the

Legend

The inscription around the inner edge of the coin

 

legend, 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA', ('Elizabeth II, by the grace of god, queen'), designed by Mary Gillick. This

Legend

The inscription around the inner edge of the coin

 

legend was only used in 1953, then was altered due to public outcry of the omission of 'FIDEI DEF' ('defender of the faith').

Both dates are relatively difficult to find in top grades though the good strikes of the 1953 Melbourne does permit higher grades. The 1953-A is often found very poorly struck up from impaired dies and thus is very difficult to find in upper

Mint state

A state of a coin that shows no signs of circulation

 

mint state grades.

The Melbourne and Perth mints both struck pennies in 1953 with the 1953 Perth featuring a dot after the 'A' in 'AUSTRALIA'.