1934 Proof Half Penny

The 1934

Proof

A coin struck from specially prepared dies to strike a superior quality coin not intended for circulation

 

proof half penny was issued along side the other 1934 denominations at the request of New Zealand dealer H. G. Williams (Verheyen, T, V, 2009). A total of 50 pieces of each denomination were ordered (Verheyen, T, V, 2009) which is believed to be the entire

Mintage

The number of coins struck of a particular designation

 

mintage figure, most of which were sold to American collectors.

The coin can be characterised by a moderately reflective

Mirror finish

The state of a coin finished with a naturally reflective appearance

 

mirror finish on the

Reverse

The tails side of the coin

 

reverse and a semi-matte, semi-reflective finish on the

Obverse

The heads side of the coin

 

obverse. The strike should be strong with well defined and even

Rim beading

Beads or denticles around the rim of a coin

 

rim beading. Be careful of

Proof-like

A coin that resembles the appearance of a proof coin of the same type, often resulting from being struck from the same dies

 

proof-like strikes which bear similar characteristics, having been struck from the same

Die

A cylindrical punch with an inverted impression of a coin's design used to strike the coin

 

dies - these however, tend to exhibit a

Central strike weakness

A weak strike around the centre of the design caused by a lack of concavity in the dies relative to strike pressure.

 

central strike weakness due to the lack of concavity of the

Proof

A coin struck from specially prepared dies to strike a superior quality coin not intended for circulation

 

proof

Die

A cylindrical punch with an inverted impression of a coin's design used to strike the coin

 

dies paired with the low strike pressure of the working press.

The

Proof

A coin struck from specially prepared dies to strike a superior quality coin not intended for circulation

 

proof strike does however exhibit some striking weakness on the beads, above the 4 in the date and the vertical pearls in George V's crown as in the illustrations below:

Weak reverse beading	Weak vertical pearls

The

Proof

A coin struck from specially prepared dies to strike a superior quality coin not intended for circulation

 

proof strike also exhibits strong horizontal

Die polishing striations

Raised lines on the surface of a coin caused by abrasive polishing of the die that struck it

 

die polishing striations across the

Reverse

The tails side of the coin

 

reverse as is visible in the illustration below:

Die polishing striations on the reverse of a proof 1934 half penny

Note the horizontal lines left of the H in HALF and through the gaps between the letters of PENNY.

While tending to be cheaper than the 1934

Proof

A coin struck from specially prepared dies to strike a superior quality coin not intended for circulation

 

proof penny (Learn more about the 1934 Proof Half Penny), the half penny is at least equally scarce and alongside the penny, much scarcer than the silver denominations especially if desired in higher grades.

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